Developments in the ongoing dispute between Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and operators at Side Electrical (Pvt) Ltd T/A Botha Gold Mine are increasingly tilting in favour of Botha, following confirmation that an injunction relied upon by Freda was withdrawn before any determination was made. Contrary to earlier public impressions, the injunction targeting eight miners was not lodged with the High Court but with the Mining Commissioner at the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. It alleged that the miners were operating unlawfully on ground claimed by Freda.
That application was later formally withdrawn from the Ministry. Significantly, proof of the withdrawal was produced by Freda Rebecca itself in its Notice of Opposition filed in response to an urgent chamber application brought by Side Electrical (Pvt) Ltd under case number HCH 354/26. Side Electrical’s application seeks an interim prohibitory interdict restraining both Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and the Zimbabwe Republic Police from conducting an operation at Botha Mine aimed at removing persons currently mining there andfencing off the area.
Legal observers say this sequence materially weakens Freda’s position and strengthens Botha’s case that there is no lawful authority underpinning attempts to interfere with operations at Botha. According to Freda, the withdrawal followed alleged “compliance” by the affected miners. However, no ruling was ever made; either by the Mining Commissioner or by any court, on:
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