Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
FEAR has gripped Embakwe villagers after mysterious blasting and digging activities at an abandoned homestead sparked fears of a possible gold rush gone wrong.
Residents claim explosions are taking place dangerously close to homes, schools and a mission hospital, raising concerns that lives could be at risk if authorities fail to act.
At the centre of the drama is a homestead that once belonged to late a teacher, Anastasia Khoza.
According to villagers, the controversy began after a relative, Towa Sibanda of Kwekwe, allegedly claimed she had dreamt that the late Anastasia revealed gold was buried beneath a toilet at the property.
The alleged dream reportedly triggered interest in digging at the abandoned homestead, with some residents now convinced that a secret hunt for the precious mineral is underway.
Alarm bells started ringing when a message circulated in a community WhatsApp group warning residents about blasting activities.
“There are people working in Lamu who are mining gold, so today they are shooting. Ask people not to be afraid,” read the message.
Instead of calming nerves, the message fuelled panic.
“This is very dangerous,” said a concerned resident.
Others questioned what would happen if no gold was found and feared that excavation could leave behind dangerous pits.
Some residents also expressed concerns about possible environmental damage, including contamination of water sources and loss of grazing land if mining activities expanded.
The site is situated near a road frequently used by pupils travelling to Embakwe High School, Embakwe Primary School and the nearby Roman Mission facilities.
However, Cyril Lamulani Khoza, one of the late Anastasia’s children, strongly denied that illegal mining was taking place.
“The residents are lying. We are simply reviving the abandoned homestead and digging a well. We started blasting after encountering a rock underground. We sought permission before doing so,” he said.
His sister, Rudolphine Khoza, a daughter-in-law of the late Anastasia Khoza and a member of the family linked to the property- who is also a teacher st a school in Bulawayo, also dismissed claims that the digging was related to a search for gold.
“There is no gold mining taking place there. People are spreading false information. The work being done is meant to revive the homestead and improve access to water. We followed the necessary procedures before blasting the rock,” she said. Traditional leaders appear divided over the matter.
Headman Misheck Ncube acknowledged awareness of the issue but distanced himself from it.
“The case is under the Chief. I cannot comment and I did not give permission to dig,” he said.
Chief Tshitshi, born Fanyana Silvester Mpofu, said he was yet to inspect the site but admitted the reported activities raised safety concerns.
“It is not safe for children because they pass through that area on their way to school,” he said.
With fears growing and questions multiplying, residents are now demanding an urgent investigation by mining, environmental and local authorities before the situation explodes into a full-blown disaster.
