By Staff Reporter
Gwanda -Former Gwanda North MP Madodana Sibanda and ZANU-PF Matabeleland South Youth league Chairperson Moses Langa have been dragged to the High Court over allegations they forcibly seized Vubachikwe Mine, using political influence and intimidation.
The case stems from an urgent chamber application filed by Forbes & Thompson (Bulawayo) (Private) Limited, the holder of Mining Lease 16, which covers Vubachikwe Mine. The company wants the court to urgently restore possession of the mine, saying it was unlawfully taken in January 2026.
According to court papers, Forbes & Thompson had been in peaceful and lawful possession of the mine until 17 January 2026.
On that day, mine security reported unauthorised tipper trucks and a front-end loader operating in the Sweet Waters section of the mine. The activity was allegedly linked to Taison Mutengeni, cited as the fourth respondent.
The following day, 18 January, the same machinery allegedly returned and began removing large quantities of gold-bearing ore in full view of security personnel. Efforts to stop the operation failed, with the company saying the miners acted openly and without fear.
The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
On 19 January 2026, company security and police officers attempted to intervene at Central Shaft turnoff. They were met with organised resistance and were forced to retreat.
Later that day, the invasion was publicly declared.
Moses Langa, flanked by Aldonia Gondo and individuals alleged to be state security agents, addressed a crowd of more than 200 people said to be ZANU-PF youths at Central Shaft turnoff.
Langa allegedly announced that the mine had been forcibly taken over. He assured those present they would not be arrested, claiming the operation had approval from “high above”, including the Minister of Mines and ZANU-PF headquarters.
Following the address, the occupation expanded across the mine. The occupiers allegedly introduced a register for gold panners and announced plans to fence off sections of the site.
According to the applicant, Vubachikwe Mine is now under organised illegal occupation.
Sibanda is cited as the third respondent, while Langa is the first respondent. The Minister of Mines and Mining Development is cited as the seventh respondent.
Forbes & Thompson is asking the court to order the immediate restoration of possession and to authorise the Sheriff of Zimbabwe, assisted by police, to eject the occupiers if they refuse to leave.
The case raises fresh questions about political power, mining rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
