Zimbabwean court orders immediate exit from Vubachikwe Mine

A mine takeover unraveled fast after a judge slammed the brakes and ordered an immediate exit.

Court shutdown of mine occupation

• The Bulawayo High Court ordered an instant pullout from Vubachikwe Mine.
• Justice Bongani Ndlovu issued the ruling on February 2.
• Illegal mining activity was told to stop immediately.
• Enforcement was cleared if resistance continued.

Who got named by the court

• Moses Langa was listed as a central respondent.
• Aldonia Gondo appeared on the removal order.
• Madodana Sibanda faced the same directive.
• Taison Mutengeni, Takeson Moyo, and Alot Ndlovu were added.

Ownership and legal control

• Forbes & Thompson (Bulawayo) holds mining claim ML16.
• The company's possession dated back to 1983.
• Vubachikwe Mine falls within that claim.
• Restoration of control was ordered.

How the occupation happened

• Group allegedly pushed onto the mine on January 17, 2026.
• Heavy machinery rolled in immediately.
• Excavation started across multiple gold sites.
• Operations expanded fast without permission.

Damage and intimidation claims

• Musa Amidu described serious ore losses.
• Structural harm was blamed on reckless digging.
• Security staff faced threats and pressure.
• Police intervention reportedly met resistance.

Attempts to lock in control

• Illegal panners were being registered.
• Fencing plans targeted sections of ML16.
• Political lobbying aimed to legitimize presence.
• Gatherings promoted claims of ownership.

Why urgency mattered

• Dave Simbi warned delays would gut future remedies.
• Gold-bearing ore was being hauled away.
• Infrastructure damage kept accelerating.
• Safety risks grew around workers.

Enforcement backup granted

• The Sheriff received authority to act.
• Zimbabwe Republic Police support was approved.
• Occupiers and affiliates face forced removal.
• Compliance became non-optional.