The future of the recently revived Vubachikwe Gold Mine is once again in jeopardy following an occupation by more than 200 youths who have reportedly taken over part of the mine’s concession and begun extracting gold illegally.

The group has established makeshift camps on the ML16 mining lease, operated by Duration Gold, and is openly mining ore. The invasion is alleged to have been organised with the support of senior ruling party figures, including Zanu PF Matabeleland South youth chairperson and Insiza North legislator, Moses Langa.

The developments come at an awkward time for government, as the area lies close to the venue earmarked for this year’s national Independence Day celebrations, and contradict official messaging that Zimbabwe is courting investment.

A visit to the mine on January 21 revealed dozens of youths loading ore onto trucks. Although police briefly intervened later that day and seized some equipment, the operation continued uninterrupted. Mine officials say guards have previously been assaulted and overwhelmed by the groups.

Tensions escalated further on January 22 when the youths blocked the main access road, disrupting normal traffic and even preventing flood relief vehicles from passing. Police only restored order after arriving on the scene.

Security reports suggest the invasion is part of a well-organised scheme. Earlier in the month, tipper trucks and heavy machinery were spotted extracting ore in the Sweet Waters section of the lease. A well-known local gold buyer is suspected to be facilitating the operation, with trucks allegedly delivering large quantities of ore to his processing plant at White Farm.

Vubachikwe spokesperson Robert Mukondiwa confirmed the situation was serious. “There has been a sharp increase in illegal activity on our claims. We are pursuing legal remedies and working with authorities, but the invaders are resisting even police action,” he said.

Sources claim the occupation was officially launched on January 15 after MP Langa and an associate, Aldonia Gondo, addressed the youths near Central Shaft. They allegedly assured the crowd that the area was now under the control of the ruling party’s youth wing and that no arrests would follow. Mining equipment was reportedly brought in soon after.

A truck believed to belong to Zanu PF, without number plates and allegedly driven by Gondo, was seen near the site. Gondo is also said to be linked to a previous illegal occupation at the same mine, which ended in a stalled court case.

The miners are now reportedly moving towards the Gold Duck Shaft, raising concerns about safety, as uncontrolled digging could lead to collapses. Explosions believed to be from blasting have also been heard within the lease.

There are further claims that Langa and Gondo led a delegation to Harare on January 19 to lobby the Ministry of Mines, including Minister Polite Kambamura, to legitimise the occupation.

Howevee, Langa denied all accusations, dismissing them as false. “These claims are baseless. We never met the Ministry over this issue,” he said, adding that he respects the law and would not abuse his position. He challenged the newspaper to arrange a joint interview with its sources.

The latest incident follows a history of similar disruptions at Vubachikwe. The mine only resumed operations recently after a violent illegal takeover in 2022. Such invasions, often justified through alleged political connections, have repeatedly resulted in ore theft, violence, and setbacks to investor confidence.

The situation highlights ongoing struggles in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, where political influence and weak enforcement continue to undermine the rule of law.