The Zimbabwe Republic Police said coordinated efforts have identified 17 individuals and entities convicted for the illegal abuse and trading of explosives in the mining sector, with authorities vowing to widen the dragnet, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Since the launch of the operation, 17 people and companies have been arrested and successfully prosecuted, according to a statement from Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations. The convicted include small-scale mine operators, private investment firms, and individual offenders.
Among those named are Walter Maranda (Heritage Mine), Patience Ncube (Imbesu Mine), Forbes Tarwirei (Murray Minerals Resources Mine), Dalabuhle Sibanda (Happy Valley Mine Private Limited), and Everservice Investment Private Limited. Others include Rangariraayi Clive Mavhiya (Trustone Mine), Alawa Ncube (Jane A Oregla Gold Mine), Energy Makoni and Tafadzwa Gurutsa (both from By Chance 73 Mine), Precious Paradza (Runxin Mine), Tadius Tavaziva, Luis Fashtiny, Shepherd Gondo, Tapiwanashe Zhou, Caison Takawira, and Regedzai Foroma.
The total value involved in the illicit explosives trade was cited at $7.0 million, though the police statement did not specify whether the figure refers to the market value of diverted explosives, estimated damage, or uncollected revenue.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said it acted “without fear or favour” and that some officers found on the wrong side of the law have also faced stern sanctions. No further details on internal disciplinary actions were provided.
Authorities have urged Zimbabweans to report any abuse of explosives or illegal trading through the National Complaints Desk at 0242 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712800197.
“Serious and coordinated efforts are underway to account for individuals, syndicates, and institutions who are abusing explosives,” the police statement read, reiterating that the country’s laws are being strictly applied.
The crackdown signals heightened regulatory risk for mining operators, particularly in the small-scale and artisanal sector, where unlicensed explosives have long been linked to safety hazards and leakages into informal gold supply chains.
