Amos Mpofu [email protected]
A GWANDA miner says he lost two front teeth after being allegedly assaulted in a dispute over mining claims in Makwe, Matabeleland South, as he appeals for protection amid claims of continued illegal mining and intimidation.
Mr Lenn Morton Ndebele, who operates in the Lushongwe area of Makwe, alleges that his mining operations have been repeatedly disrupted since 2018 by individuals who encroached on his registered claims and extracted ore without his permission.
During a recent media tour of his mining premises, journalists observed more than 20 abandoned mining sites where small-scale mining machinery had previously been stationed. Several disused power engines, abandoned water tanks and heaps of mined material were also visible.
Mr Ndebele alleged that some of the individuals occupying his claims had claimed to enjoy the backing of influential people, although they had not disclosed the identities of those allegedly supporting them.
He said the disputes had sometimes turned violent, recounting an incident in which he was allegedly assaulted while attempting to remove people he believed were unlawfully occupying his pegged mining premises.
The incident reportedly left him unconscious and resulted in the loss of two front teeth.
“I lost teeth following a serious assault by illegal miners who claimed unconfirmed rights over my mines. They assaulted me until I lost consciousness, but I did not give up, nor did I stop standing up for my rights.
“I know people think it is normal for violence, which at times even leads to loss of life in mining areas, but we cannot normalise violence and killings,” said Mr Ndebele.
He appealed for protection, saying he feared for his safety and urging law enforcement agencies to work closely with mining claim owners and local communities to resolve disputes and curb illegal mining.
“I am now asking for protection, as I also fear for my life. I further appeal to law enforcement officers to continuously work with us, the claim owners and community members. We cannot develop our mines, communities and country if people continue living in fear,” said Mr Ndebele.
Mr Ndebele said the dispute had disrupted operations and caused considerable financial losses. He said he had reported the matter to the police several times, with one intervention resulting in the apprehension of nearly 30 people he described as illegal miners.
“I have had mining problems at this mine since 2018, and I reported the matter to the police. At one point, nearly 30 illegal miners were apprehended. I was assured that there would be measures to control illegal mining at my premises,” he said.
However, Mr Ndebele alleged that some individuals later returned to the mining area and continued extracting ore, at times amid violent confrontations.
He further alleged that three men had taken over some of his mining claims, triggering another dispute that prompted the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to issue a mining stoppage order on July 23, 2026.
The directive instructed that mining activities cease pending the resolution of the dispute through the courts.
