Forty-six individuals were injured in a tumultuous event at Element Minerals Mine in Shamva, Mashonaland Central province, on Thursday. The incident erupted following a dispute over an alleged illegal takeover of the mine. Reports indicate that the clash, which involved gunfire, was instigated by Zanu-PF youth leader Josphat Zvomuya, alongside councilor Ernest Manyara and district coordinating committee member Tongai Mazwienezara.
Those injured in the confrontation have been hospitalized in Harare and Shamva. Commissioner Charles Musavengana confirmed the severity of the violence at the mine. However, Inspector Milton Mundembe of the Mashonaland Central Province police noted that no arrests had been made yet and appealed to the public for any information regarding the incident.
Authorities are currently investigating allegations implicating Zvomuya and his associates in the violence. Reports are suggesting they invoked the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to justify their actions. Witnesses have expressed dismay over the absence of arrests and have raised concerns about perceived political interference in the takeover of the mine.
The situation reportedly escalated when Zanu-PF youths stormed the mine, attacking workers, which prompted security personnel to intervene with gunfire. The resulting injuries have heightened fears about the state of affairs at the mine, likening it to a chaotic war zone.
Zvomuya is purportedly under a prohibition order from the Ministry of Mines, which he allegedly disregarded. The ongoing unrest and defiance of official directives have sparked significant apprehension among local authorities and residents alike.
In other news – Chivayo, Zec Corruption Scandal Ripples Into South Africa
A Johannesburg printing company and its representative are under investigation by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption authority for allegedly overcharging on election-related materials and equipment. Zimbabwe, already plagued by corruption issues, is reeling from a scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) worth R570 million.
The scandal centers around Ren-Form, a family-owned printing firm based in Johannesburg, and its agent, Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent figure known for his flamboyance and connections. Leaked documents suggest Ren-Form significantly inflated prices for items like ballot papers, biometric voter registration kits, and even basic supplies such as portable toilets. Read More
