Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Limited has launched a major crackdown on illegal mining activities after lodging a criminal complaint with the Zimbabwe Republic Police against individuals unlawfully extracting gold from its mining lease.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the gold producer confirmed that a police complaint under RRB number 63892257 has been lodged against illegal miners operating within Mining Lease 21, which is registered under Surveyor General Registration Number 1845/1994.
The affected areas, commonly referred to as the Western Side, include Gwiringwindi, Headgear, Morocco and the GMB area, all of which fall under Freda Rebecca’s legally registered mining lease.
Freda Rebecca managing director Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya warned that mining activities carried out in these areas without its written authorisation are illegal and constitute a criminal offence under Section 368(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05].
That section prohibits prospecting or mining without the consent of the holder of the mining title.
Offenders face prosecution under Section 368(4) of the same Act.
“The conduct of mining by individuals within this region without authority is a criminal offence and will inevitably invoke the long arm of the law,” Mr Maseva-Shayawabaya said.
However, Freda Rebecca has extended a window for regularisation, urging individuals operating within Mining Lease 21 without formal approval to come forward and verify their operations.
The company said only those who present themselves for verification and complete the required documentation will be considered for regularisation and may be immune from criminal prosecution.
Illegal miners and other stakeholders have been advised to visit Freda Rebecca Gold Mine between 28 and 29 January for verification of their operations.
Those attending are required to bring maps, GPS coordinates, agreements, as well as national identity cards or passports to assist with the verification exercise.
