The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has secured another conviction in its ongoing campaign against illegal mining, with two gold prospectors from Gwanda sentenced to two years in prison this week, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The sentencing comes as Zimbabwe tightens enforcement measures against unauthorised mining activities, particularly riverbed operations that threaten the country’s ecosystems and water security.
Gwanda Duo Jailed for Illegal Gold Prospecting
Evelyn Nkomo (34) and Rasper Nkomo (26) were convicted by the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court on June 10, 2025, for illegally prospecting along the Njeni River in Lupane. Police detectives on routine patrol apprehended the pair on June 4, 2025, at around 3:30 PM, finding them in possession of mining tools, including a shovel, iron bar, plastic bucket, dish, and a makeshift James table. When asked to produce a prospecting license, they failed to present any legal authorisation.
The NPAZ reiterated that illegal gold prospecting carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence, warning the public against engaging in unauthorised mining. The case follows a series of recent convictions as authorities escalate efforts to curb environmental degradation and revenue losses from illicit mining activities.
Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Riverbed Mining
The Gwanda sentencing aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader clampdown on illegal mining, particularly along riverbeds, where unregulated operations have caused severe ecological damage. Just weeks earlier, Kudakwashe Mapinda of Siakobvu was jailed for two years after being caught illegally panning for gold along the Karongwe River. Game rangers arrested Mapinda on May 5, 2025, after he was observed diverting water and shovelling mud into a wooden panning dish without a mining license.
Another case involved Simbarashe Chayambuka (38) from Mount Darwin, who was fined US$200 for illegal riverbed mining along the Fuse River. Chayambuka was apprehended by Ruia Mine security guards on March 4, 2025, before being handed over to the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU).
Government Bans Riverbed Mining Amid Environmental Crisis
These prosecutions follow the Zimbabwean government’s recent ban on all riverbed mining and desiltation activities, citing irreversible harm to water sources and biodiversity. Cabinet reports indicate that large-scale alluvial mining—ongoing since 2011—has devastated rivers such as Nyagadzi, Mazowe, and Insiza, leading to severe water pollution and ecosystem disruption.
Information Minister Hon. Jenfan Muswere emphasised the environmental toll, stating, “The destruction of rivers through alluvial mining has resulted in severe consequences, from water pollution to the disruption of ecosystems. The damage has far outweighed any potential benefits.”
The crisis is particularly evident at Bulawayo’s Umzingwane Dam, which is currently at just 2% capacity, partly due to siltation caused by illegal mining. Authorities now classify unauthorised mining near water sources as a national security threat, given its role in exacerbating water scarcity.
Mining Federation Backs Government Action
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has endorsed the ban, with President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya stating that it supports sustainable mining practices. “Riverbed mining was hindering our efforts toward responsible mining due to its adverse effects on the ecosystem,” she said.
The ZMF has also introduced an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), promoting solar energy adoption and water stewardship to align with global sustainability standards.
A New Era of Enforcement
The NPAZ’s latest convictions underscore the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining under its “Combating Crime and Corruption” initiative. With climate change and water shortages intensifying, authorities are prioritising environmental protection over short-term mineral gains.
As Zimbabwe’s judiciary delivers stricter penalties, the message is clear: illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. The crackdown not only aims to restore ecological balance but also to safeguard the nation’s water resources for future generations.
