as Court halts operations over violent clashes
By staff reporter
The Provincial magistrate for Mashonaland central has ordered a complete shutdown of mining activities in the volatile Kitsiyatota area, in a bid to curb escalating violence and pave the way for the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to address a dispute over Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance.
The ruling, issued on Friday, follows an ex parte application filed by miner Lee-Roy Kambasha against Navid Incorporated (Private) Limited and Side Electricals (Private) Limited.
The court granted an interim interdict compelling the two companies, their agents and contractors to immediately stop all mining and related operations in Kitsiyatota and surrounding claims, including Headgear, Morocco, GMB, Gwingwindi and Phoenix Prince Mine.
The order will remain in effect until EMA clarifies the exact scope and boundaries of the EIA certificate held by Side Electricals.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Bindura District has been instructed to participate.
The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing violent clashes between rival groups linked to the two companies.
Court papers reveal that Kambasha was seriously injured in February after being caught in crossfire, suffering a broken arm.
Although the matter was reported to police and suspects were arrested, they are currently out on bail awaiting trial.
Violence resurfaced on March 25 when fresh groups allegedly linked to Side Electricals arrived on site, triggering further clashes.
Workers were also accused of forcibly destroying property, including sections of fencing at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, raising concerns over lawlessness and the potential for further escalation.
At the centre of the dispute is a disagreement over the extent to which Side Electricals’ EIA certificate applies to its mining claims, particularly within the Phoenix Prince mining area.
The unresolved issue has reportedly turned Kitsiyatota into a conflict zone, making it unsafe for lawful mining operations.
In granting the order, the court acknowledged the applicant’s right to a safe working environment and the imminent risk of serious harm if operations continued.
The Provincial magistrate noted that suspending all activities was necessary to preserve life, prevent further violence, and allow EMA to resolve the environmental compliance dispute.
