Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Businessman Prosper Shumba and Gold Yields Mining Company (Pvt) Ltd have been ordered by the High Court to pay Fiore International Trading (Pvt) Ltd US$2 758 550 after the company accused them of fraudulently obtaining cash and cars through disputed mining transactions.
High Court Judge Justice Helena Charewa granted Fiore’s application for default judgment on September 9, 2026 and ordered Shumba and Gold Yields to pay US$208 550 or its equivalent at the official exchange rate, and a further US$2,55 million for the value of motor vehicles which Fiore said were acquired from it and never recovered.
The defendants were also ordered to pay interest at the prescribed rate from the date of summons until payment in full, together with costs of suit.
The judgment comes months after reports emerged of allegations surrounding Shumba’s activities in the mining sector, including claims concerning the handling and movement of mining certificates between provinces.
The reports alleged that Shumba claimed he had links with some Ministry of Mines and Mining Development officials and had been involved in several mining disputes in which questions have been raised over the legitimacy of some documents.
The latest matter, however, is now before the courts and resulted in a judgment against Shumba and Gold Yields.
According to Fiore’s declaration, the dispute arose from transactions between 2023 and 2026 when Shumba allegedly represented that he was the registered owner of mining claims in the Mufurudzi Game Reserve area and other parts of Mashonaland Central.
Fiore alleged that Shumba produced mining claim certificates and other documents inducing the company to enter into mining sale agreements, joint venture agreements and motor vehicle sale and exchange agreements.
The company said it subsequently paid US$208 550 in cash, with 14 acknowledgements of receipt attached to its court papers.
Fiore further alleged that it released several motor vehicles to the defendants, each valued at US$150 000, bringing the total value of the vehicles to US$2,55 million.
The company told the court that the mining claims presented for sale did not exist and had never been registered in Shumba’s name.
It consequently claimed total prejudice of US$2 758 550.
The High Court, after considering the documents filed on record, granted default judgment in Fiore’s favour.
Shumba has reportedly gone into hiding following the court proceedings, although his whereabouts could not independently be established.
The judgment leaves Shumba and Gold Yields liable for the US$2 758 550 debt, interest and legal costs.
The allegations contained in Fiore’s original claim were not tested through a defended trial, with the High Court granting judgment by default.
