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A 20-year-old Kwekwe man, Casten Zeve, has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally prospecting for gold without a license. The sentencing follows a raid conducted by local law enforcement officers after a tip-off about illegal mining activities near the Ministry of Public Works yard in Newtown, Kwekwe.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
On March 10, 2025, Detective Sergeant Nemashakwe and Detective Constable Matare led an operation to shut down the illegal mining site. Upon arrival, they found Casten Zeve and four accomplices digging and loading gold ore into sacks using shovels. When the group noticed the detectives, Zeve’s accomplices fled into a nearby thicket, evading arrest.
Despite their attempts to escape, the detectives managed to apprehend Zeve and recover two sacks of gold ore from the scene. Subsequent tests confirmed that the ore contained gold.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal mining operations in the country, which they say contribute to environmental degradation and economic instability. Illegal gold mining has posed ongoing challenges in Zimbabwe, where unregulated operations damage ecosystems and often lead to unrehabilitated mining sites.
The National Prosecuting Authority emphasized the importance of responsible mining practices, warning that strict penalties will continue to be enforced to curb such unlawful activities. With this sentencing, the government sends a strong message to those involved in illegal mining operations that the law will hold them accountable.
The case also highlights Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to protect its environment and resources under the banner of campaigns such as #ProtectOurFaunaAndFlora, which aim to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
This conviction forms part of the broader government strategy to combat illegal mining and preserve the country’s rich mineral resources for future generations.
