Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
VUBACHIKWE MINE has commenced the eviction of some of its workers from company-owned premises in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.
The affected workers have been residing at the premises since the mine ceased operations in November 2022, following a strike over unpaid wages and poor working conditions.
According to court documents, the mine — through its parent company, Forbes and Thompson, represented by their legal team at Mlweli Ndlovu and Associates — issued each affected worker with a summons dated May 23, 2025.
The summons gave them seven days to vacate the mine’s accommodation.
“The defendant named above, you are hereby summoned to, within seven days of the service of this summons upon you, enter or cause to be entered with me, and also with the Plaintiff or their Legal Practitioners at the address specified herein, an appearance (that is, file a notice of intention to defend) to answer the claim of Forbes and Thompson (Bulawayo) (PVT) LTD, the Plaintiff herein.
“The Plaintiff’s claim against the Defendant is for: a) An order for the eviction of the Defendant and all those claiming occupation through the Defendant from premises known as Vubachikwe Mine, Gwanda, specifically D4, New Houses; b) An order that the Defendant pays the costs of suit. Particulars of which are endorsed hereon,” reads part of the summons.
The summons further states that failure to respond may result in the mine proceeding with the claim.
“In default of your doing so, you will be deemed to have admitted the said claim, and the Plaintiff may proceed accordingly, and judgment may be entered against you in your absence. However, if the said claim and costs are paid to me within the specified time, judgment will not be entered against you,” the notice continues.
One of the workers served with the eviction notice, Mr Sifelani Nkomo, confirmed they have filed a notice of intention to defend and are now awaiting a court date.
“This issue is complex and cannot be discussed briefly — it requires a meeting with the entire workforce at Vubachikwe. We don’t even understand why we are being evicted.
“We were told it’s due to bribery and corruption, but we don’t know where that is coming from.
“I received my summons on May 29 and have since filed a notice of intention to defend,” said Mr Nkomo.
Bongani Ndlovu