Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro-Chief Court Reporter
Mvelase Mining and Logistics (Private) Limited and two men tied to its operations – Jeremiah Makoni and Tanaka Nharingo – were fined US$200 after being found in contempt of a High Court order that barred them entry into mining location SG 10113 and prohibited them from dealing with minerals from there.
The court found all three respondents guilty of contempt. Each was ordered to pay a US$200 fine and to comply within 48 hours.
If they fail to do so, Makoni and Nharingo will be committed to prison for six months or until Mvelase complies, whichever comes first.
The court directed the Sheriff to enforce the order with police assistance.
Justice Priscillah Munangati-Manongwa said the court’s authority depends on compliance.
“The authority and dignity of this court rests upon compliance with its orders. Utter wilful disregard of court orders will not be entertained.”
The application was brought by Mr Wilfred Mboma, who relied on an order issued on December 1, 2025, by Justice Regis Dembure.
Mr Mboma told the court the order was served on 10 December 2025, but mining and processing continued.
He said there was heavy machinery on site, as well as makeshift wash plants and ore movements of about 30 truckloads per day.
Mvelase argued that a rescission application was pending and claimed it held a special grant registered in 2024, separate from Mr Mboma’s claim.
It also claimed another company, Red Ant Mining (Private) Limited, mined on Mr Mboma’s block and transported ore to Mvelase for processing.
However, the judge said a pending rescission does not suspend an order.
“A litigant is obliged to obey a court order, however erroneous he may consider it to be, until it is set aside,” the court said.
The judge also relied on clause 1(c) of the earlier order, which prohibited extracting, processing, removing or dealing with minerals originating from SG 10113.
