This week the High Court in Bulawayo exposed once again how Zanu PF treats law, property, and ordinary Zimbabweans. Marauding Zanu PF youths invaded Vubachikwe Mine in Gwanda, about one hundred and thirty kilometres from Bulawayo, and acted like the mine belonged to the party. They blocked operations, chased workers, and interfered with lawful business. This was not a protest. It was a criminal invasion driven by political entitlement.
The court was clear. These youths had to move immediately and stop interfering with the mine. Justice Bongani Ndlovu issued a spoliation order against Moses Langa, Aldonia Gondo, Madodana Sibanda, Takeson Moyo, and Alot Ndlovu. These individuals led the invasion of Mining Lease Sixteen, which includes Vubachikwe Mine. Under their own law, a spoliation order exists to restore property taken without consent or legal process. Even the court did not pretend this was complex. It was simple theft and force.
The applicant was Forbes and Thompson of Bulawayo, a subsidiary of Duration Gold. The respondents admitted they were wrong. They consented to the order and accepted that their actions were illegal. They also agreed to remove more than two hundred illegal miners and their followers from the site. That admission alone tells the whole story. Zanu PF youths know they act outside the law, but they rely on fear and politics to protect them.
At least two hundred youths led by the provincial youth chairperson in Matabeleland South invaded the mine. The mine belongs to a British company based in Bulawayo and owned by Duration Gold. Duration is not a fly by night operation. It has been operating mines across the country for decades. It owns Athens Mine in Mvuma, Gaika Mine in Kwekwe, Royal Family in Filabusi, and Vubachikwe. Vubachikwe has operated under the same lease since nineteen eighty three.
Although Vubachikwe was temporarily closed due to operational challenges and restructuring, Duration remains a major gold producer and employer. Mining is the engine that could pull Zimbabwe out of poverty. Instead of protecting it, Zanu PF sends youths to destroy it. They scare away investors, kill jobs, and then pretend to care about development on the campaign trail.
The court also issued the same order against Taison Mutengeni, who did not even bother to appear in court. This arrogance is normal under Zanu PF rule. They believe the law does not apply to them. The Ministry of Mines did not oppose the application, which speaks loudly. Even government departments know these invasions are wrong, but they lack the courage to stop them before courts are forced to act.
This case is not just about one mine. It is about property rights, rule of law, and investor confidence. No serious investor will come to a country where party youths can take over private property and face no consequences until a court intervenes. Zimbabwe cannot grow like this. As long as Zanu PF protects lawlessness, the economy will bleed.
The High Court has done its job. The real question is whether the political system will change. Until Zanu PF is removed, these invasions will continue. Zimbabweans deserve a country where law matters more than party cards, and where youths are given jobs, not used as tools of destruction.
This ruling should not make anyone celebrate. It only shows how low the country has fallen. Courts are forced to clean political messes created by Zanu PF. Young people are pushed into illegality instead of skills and work. Until accountability becomes real, Zimbabwe will remain open for abuse. Change will not come from courts alone. It must come from citizens who refuse fear, reject violence, and demand freedom, dignity, and justice.
About The Author
