Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza-Court Correspondent
A HARARE man’s alleged hunt for hidden treasure in Marlborough has landed him in court facing a string of mining and explosives charges.
Chiripayi Chipandire appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday accused of illegally prospecting for minerals, acquiring explosives without a permit and carrying out blasting operations without a licence.
He was granted US$500 bail.
The State alleges that in early 2024, he allegedly met a man identified as Douglas Walsh, who is said to have him about a hidden treasure at a house in Marlborough.
Driven by the promise of riches, Chipandire allegedly hired an excavator and started digging near the property.
However, residents raised alarm over the excavation works, forcing the operations to stop.
Prosecutors told the court that Chipandire and Walsh later approached the owner of the property, Tinashe Rwodzi, who allegedly gave them permission to continue searching for the hidden treasure.
The court heard that workers were then brought in and excavation resumed.
Initially, the group is said to have received permission from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to search for the alleged treasure and to conduct controlled blasting under strict conditions.
But the State says residents again complained about the activities, prompting the ministry to issue a stop order in January last year.
Despite the directive, Chipandire allegedly resumed digging shafts and blasting without approval.
The operation came to an end on July 17 this year when some of Chipandire’s workers were arrested at the site while excavating.
Police recovered explosives, cap fuses, a drill bit, ropes, a windlass, a demolition hammer and other mining equipment.
The case has attracted public interest following reports of mining activities being carried out in residential areas.
Chipandire is expected back in court as investigations continue.
