Zanu PF Official Jameson Rushwaya Accused of Name Dropping in Mine Invasion

Zanu PF member Jameson Rushwaya has been accused of invoking the names of powerful government and mining figures in an ongoing mine invasion dispute involving Tolrose Mine in Kadoma. Rushwaya is allegedly name-dropping Zimbabwe Mining Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya to intimidate authorities and workers during a violent takeover of the mine. The dispute has pitted Rushwaya against Patterson Timba, the lawful operator of the mine.

Timba won the matter in court last year, and a court order was issued in his favour. However, Rushwaya allegedly ignored the ruling and invaded one of Timba’s mining blocks in August 2025. Rushwaya is now expected to appear in court in Kadoma on Thursday but sources clarified that tomorrow’s case relates to the August 2025 invasion of a different mining block — not the violent takeover that occurred last Friday.

Police are yet to respond to Friday’s invasion of the main mining blocks, despite multiple reports being made.During Friday night’s raid, heavily armed men allegedly linked to Rushwaya stormed the mine and disarmed security guards, seizing six firearms. Workers say they were kidnapped, assaulted, and robbed, with many losing cash, mobile phones, and personal belongings. Employees and management claim the attackers are now occupying the mine and looting equipment and minerals, while authorities remain slow to intervene. “There are heavily armed people at the mine, but police say they have been instructed by the Dispol not to react,” a source said.