Botha Rejects “US$40M Looting” Claim as Unfounded

Botha Gold Mine has firmly rejected allegations that it is involved in a “US$40 million looting” of State land, describing the claim as unfounded and not supported by any legal or factual record.

In a press statement issued on Thursday (see full statement) the company said the widely circulated allegation is based on distortion of historical facts, misrepresentation of geography and omission of critical legal findings.

The mine emphasised that the matter remains before the courts and under review by relevant authorities and cautioned against presenting contested issues as settled fact.

Court Ruling Central to Dispute

Botha pointed to a binding High Court judgment (HH 839/15), which confirmed that:

• The disputed areas had been abandoned for mining purposes

• The mining lease had been reduced

• No valid title could be established over those areas

“These are matters of record,” the company stated, adding that rights over abandoned land cannot be revived through narrative or administrative opinion.

“US$40 Million” Figure Questioned

The company also challenged the basis of the headline claim, noting that:

• No verified audit or legal process has substantiated the figure

• Operations at Botha have been conducted openly for over 15 years

• The mine operates a structured, regulated artisanal mining model supporting thousands of livelihoods

Botha further highlighted substantial investments made into the operation, including processing infrastructure developed with full regulatory visibility.

Geographic Misrepresentation Raised

A key issue identified by the company is what it describes as deliberate confusion over the location of mining areas.

According to Botha:

• Botha 1–4, including the GMB area, form the active operational zone

• The area referred to as “Mining Lease 21” lies separately across the road

• The company argues that conflating these areas creates a false impression of encroachment.

Investigations Into Former Official Ongoing

Botha also addressed public claims suggesting no wrongdoing by former General Manager Angel Mpofu-Chisvo, stating that this position is premature and inaccurate.

The company confirmed that:

• There are ongoing criminal investigations under ZRP and CID Commercial Crimes Division

• Call for Responsible Reporting

• Allegations under investigation include financial misconduct involving significant sums

The company expressed concern that no comment was sought prior to publication of the allegations, stating that this falls short of expected standards of fairness and verification.

Botha reiterated its commitment to due process, indicating that it will continue to engage through legal and regulatory channels rather than litigating the matter in the media.

“This is not a matter of opinion, but one that will be determined by the courts,” the statement concluded.