The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the imprisonment of Kudakwashe Mapinda of Siakobvu, who was convicted of illegal gold panning and sentenced to two years in prison, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This comes as the Zimbabwean government intensifies its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, particularly riverbed activities that are endangering ecosystems and depleting national water resources.
According to court proceedings at the Karoi Magistrates’ Court, Mapinda was apprehended on May 5, 2025, by game rangers while illegally prospecting for gold along the Karongwe River. He was caught red-handed after diverting water and shovelling mud into a wooden panning dish. Upon questioning, it was established that he had no mining license, prospecting order, or any official authority to conduct mining activities.
This high-profile sentencing follows the recent conviction of Simbarashe Chayambuka, a 38-year-old man from Mount Darwin, who was fined US$200 for illegal riverbed mining along the Fuse River. Chayambuka was caught by Ruia Mine security guards on March 4, 2025, using rudimentary tools to extract minerals. He was handed over to the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) and later appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty.
The mounting prosecutions highlight a broader government campaign against illegal mining activities. The Zimbabwean government last banned all riverbed mining and desiltation activities, citing irreversible environmental damage caused by such practices. The Cabinet emphasized that large-scale mechanical alluvial mining—ongoing since 2011—has devastated rivers like Nyagadzi, Mazowe, and Insiza, significantly affecting water supply and biodiversity.
Information Minister Hon. Jenfan Muswere stated, “The destruction of rivers through alluvial mining has resulted in severe environmental consequences, from water pollution to the disruption of ecosystems. The damage has far outweighed any potential benefits.”
Bulawayo’s Umzingwane Dam, which is sitting at a dangerously low 2% capacity, has further underscored the urgency of the government’s actions. Authorities now view illegal mining around water sources as a national threat, contributing to siltation and contamination of vital water supplies.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has backed the government’s move to outlaw riverbed mining. ZMF President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya welcomed the ban, saying it aligns with the Federation’s goal of promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices.
“We are very pleased with this decision. Riverbed mining was hindering our efforts toward sustainable mining due to its adverse effects on the ecosystem,” Rushwaya told Mining Zimbabwe.
ZMF has recently developed a tailor-made Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for Zimbabwe’s Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector. This initiative seeks to align ASM activities with global environmental and human rights standards, emphasizing decarbonization, water stewardship, and responsible resource extraction.
“Although decarbonization is rarely linked to ASM operations, we believe incorporating solar energy into ASM practices will significantly contribute to the decarbonization agenda,” Rushwaya added.
The combined sentencing of Mapinda and Chayambuka sends a strong message to illegal miners and syndicates across Zimbabwe. The era of unchecked riverbed mining appears to be over as the government, judiciary, and mining authorities align to protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
The NPA’s firm stance, reflected in its news bulletin slogan “Combating Crime and Corruption,” reinforces the administration’s commitment to preserving natural ecosystems and combating the criminal elements that have long operated with impunity in the country’s informal mining sector.
As Zimbabwe continues to battle the effects of climate change and water scarcity, these enforcement actions are not just about legality—they are about ensuring national sustainability for future generations.
