Chaka Plant mine, located along the Kwekwe-Gokwe highway, was previously owned by the Reserve Bank. Sources told The Zimbabwean that, at its peak, the mine produced 30kg of gold a month valued at over $ 1. 5 million. Since the MP started operations, it is understood nothing has gone to the fiscus.
It is understood the MP’s take-over of the mine flouted basic expectations. These included starting operations without agreement with KCGM chief Lee Johns, who had a stake in the mine. There was no agreement between Mutomba and the workers employed by the previous owners.
The workers committee, which complained about the haphazard transfer of ownership, has been fired. The previous management, led by Mine Manager Emmanuel Tamuka Shuro, Finance Manager Richard Mubata and Mine Engineer Charles Night, has also been fired without benefits.
Fired workers committee chairperson Kofta Mutawanga told The Zimbabwean that hired war veterans were bussed by the MP to intimidate workers and whip into Zanu (PF) line whoever wanted to remain working at the mine.
“Zanu (PF) cards have been used as one’s licence to be employed there. Even the MP himself would come and openly chant slogans,” the chairman added.
The secretary for the workers body, Nesbert Zimba, who has also been expelled said: “It has been since months since we were fired. All those who were expelled have not received any benefits and we have since taken the issue to the courts,”
Kwekwe Central MP, Blessing Chebundo, promised to raise the issue in Parliament saying the courts and police do not seem to be doing enough to resolve the matter.
Post published in: News