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The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has launched a robust legal and public relations offensive, vehemently dismissing allegations of illegal land grabbing linked to its commercial operations at a mining site in Mt Darwin, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The dispute, which involves a boundary fence at Mukaradzi Mine in Mt Darwin, places a spotlight on the growing role of state entities in the mining sector, a sector central to national economic revival efforts.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Saturday, the Air Force of Zimbabwe moved to quash a growing social media storm, refuting what it termed “false and baseless” allegations concerning its activities at Mukaradzi Mine. The military institution asserted that all its operations at the site are not only legal but also conducted in strict adherence to the country’s laws and established military protocols.
“The Air Force of Zimbabwe wishes to address and clarify the recent false allegations circulating on social media regarding our operations and the erection of a boundary fence at Mukaradzi Mine in Mt Darwin,” the statement read. “It has come to our attention that a video has been disseminated, falsely accusing the Air Force of Zimbabwe of illegal activities.”
To establish its legal standing and counter the narrative of impropriety, the AFZ clarified its commercial stake in the venture. The force confirmed it holds a legitimate interest in the mine through a formal partnership, a structure increasingly common as state-owned enterprises diversify their portfolios.
“We would like to advise the public that the Air Force of Zimbabwe is in a Joint Venture with Wise Tina International Company, registered in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe and are jointly the lawful owners of the mine in question,” the statement continued. “The Joint Venture is fully compliant with all legal requirements regarding the establishment of boundary markers.”
In a dramatic turn, the AFZ turned the tables on the accusers, alleging that the individuals featured in the viral video were not victims but the actual perpetrators of illegal acts. The military claims the video is a calculated smear campaign designed to damage its reputation.
“The perimeter fence in question was erected by the Joint Venture according to the coordinates given by the Ministry of Mines. However, some unscrupulous elements resorted to the use of force and trespassed into the mentioned mine,” the AFZ stated. “The illegal miners then circulated the video acting as victims when they are the actual perpetrators. The claims made in the video are not only inaccurate but also deliberately misleading.”
Emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance, the AFZ has vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for both the trespass and the dissemination of the video. The statement reiterated the institution’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
“The AFZ wants to assure the public that it is taking this matter seriously and will pursue legal action against those responsible. We are committed to protecting our assets and maintaining the integrity of our operations,” the statement affirmed.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by both large-scale mining operations and artisanal miners in Zimbabwe. As the nation pushes to increase mining output as a key economic pillar—with initiatives like the Mutapa Investment Fund channeling money into strategic sectors, clashes over land and mineral rights are likely to continue. The AFZ’s firm response signals that state-linked entities are prepared to defend their investments aggressively.
“The AFZ strongly condemns the dissemination of such false information and urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims. The AFZ is dedicated to transparency and integrity in all our dealings. We appreciate the continued support of our stakeholders and the community as we work toward a resolution.”
