Mining Without a License Leads to a Two-Year Prison Term
In a crackdown on illegal mining activities, two men have been sentenced to two years in prison for prospecting without a license, highlighting the risks of unauthorized gold mining along Chivero Road, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe announced.
By Patricia Rwafa
Foster Mutero (38), of Bodo Village under Chief Mashayamombe, Mhondoro, and Ernest Mhute (35), of Musinami Village under Chief Mashayamombe, Mhondoro, were apprehended on August 4 for prospecting for mineral ore without a valid license.
The two men were sentenced by a Kadoma magistrate for illegal mining activities along Chivero Road.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), as announced on its X page on September 11, Mutero and Mhute were arraigned before the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of contravening the Mines and Minerals Act.
“On August 4, around 0500 hours, the two accused persons were arrested for prospecting for mineral ore along Chivero Road, Selous. They dug a trench using shovels and picks,” the NPAZ statement read.
“Police recovered 21 sacks of gold ore that were heaped and ready to be transported to a mill, along with two mattock picks and a shovel.”
According to the statement on X, the accused were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.