Chief, illegal gold mining syndicate, wreak havoc in Zhombe

📅 Published: August 21, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Alluvial gold mining, on the other hand, is the extraction of gold from sand and sediment deposits in rivers, valleys, and flood plains.

Investigations carried out in collaboration with Information for Development Trust (IDT) revealed that Chief Gwesela, born Ndabazihle Wait Ndebele, unprocedurally acquired a permit to desilt the dam from Zibagwe Rural District Council chief executive officer Farayi Desmond Machaya, without consulting councillors.

In a letter authorising the project, Machaya also misrepresented that permission was granted following approval from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).

Zinwa is a state-owned enterprise that plans, develops, and manages water resources in Zimbabwe.

EMA on the other hand is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment as well as the prevention of pollution and environmental degradation.

Armed with the letter Gwesela carried out alluvial gold mining, resulting in extensive environmental inside the dam and in the dam’s immediate environment, allegedly with police protection.

Corruption and circumversion of procedure
Investigations revealed that Machaya issued an authorisation letter for dam scooping to a company called Hard Rock which was fronted by Chief Gwesela, without a council resolution.

Hard Rock is a gold processing company based in Kwekwe.

Machaya claimed he had consulted EMA and Zinwa before issuing the letter.

Investigations however revealed it was false.

The letter dated 26 June 2024 reads: “Following consultation made with the Environment Management Agency and the Zimbabwe National Authority, you are hereby authorized to scoop Madollar Dam… You will be required to cart away the silt from the dam site and therefore correct equipment should be deployed. ”
In an earlier letter on 23 May, Machaya had assured Chief Gwesela that the local authority would support the “dam scooping” bid.

The mater had however not been discussed in council; hence the decision was unilateral. “Please be advised that this local authority has no objection to the proposed dam scooping exercise at Madollar Dam situated at Summerview in Zhombe ward 4, under Chief Gwesela.

This partnership will go a long way in providing a sustainable water source to Sessombi village 18, 19 and 20 farmers as well as surrounding commercial farms,” reads the letter.

Brave Samu, a Zanu PF councilor in Zibagwe told The NewsHawks the proposal was never discussed in any council meeting. 🔗

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