Mining firm sues Zanu PF youth leader, seeks eviction from Vubachikwe mine

FORBES & Thompson Private Limited has approached the High Court seeking the eviction of Zanu PF Youth League chairperson for Matabeleland South, Moses Langa, and six others from its mining location in Gwanda District, which incorporates Vubachikwe Mine.

The mining company, through its lawyers, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court in Bulawayo seeking a spoliation order against Langa, Aldonia Gondo, Madodana Sibanda, Taison Mutengeni, Takeson Moyo and Alot

Ndlovu. Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura has also been cited as a respondent.

In its application, Forbes & Thompson argues that it has owned and operated the disputed mining area since 1983 under Mining Lease 16, which covers Vubachikwe Mine.

In a founding affidavit, Forbes & Thompson director Mr Musa Amido alleged that the first to sixth respondents forcibly entered and occupied the mining site without the consent of the mine authorities.
“This is an urgent chamber application for a spoliation order made in terms of Rule 60 of the High Court Rules, 2021,” said Mr Amido.
“The applicant seeks an order directing the first to sixth respondents, and all those acting through or under them, to restore the applicant’s possession of its mining location, namely Mining Lease 16, which incorporates Vubachikwe Mine.”

Mr Amido said the respondents’ actions had unlawfully deprived the company of peaceful possession of its mining operations.

He further requested that, if the order is granted, the Sheriff of the High Court be authorised to evict the respondents with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
“The respondents should also be barred from disturbing the applicant’s possession of its mining location and be ordered to pay costs on a legal practitioner and client scale,” he said.

According to court papers, Forbes & Thompson was issued the mining lease by the Mining Affairs Board of Zimbabwe on July 26, 1983. The lease, registered under the Mines and Minerals Act of 1964, covers approximately 1 036 hectares in the Bulawayo Mining District, with gold listed as the principal mineral.

The matter is yet to be heard