By Fanuel Chinowaita
PENHALONGA – Two companies have been arrested and charged for allegedly conducting illegal alluvial mining activities along the Mutare River in contravention of environmental regulations, police have confirmed.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said Young Tech Engineering (Private) Limited and Khumbula Mining Syndicate were charged under Section 3(1) of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 of the Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the arrests followed a joint security operation targeting illegal gold panning and alluvial mining activities along the river.
“On 16 April 2026, Manicaland Province conducted a Joint Security Services Operation targeting illegal alluvial gold mining along Mutare River, led by ZRP Mutare Rural District Command,” said Chinyoka.
He said one police team raided a mining site near Musangano Lodge where no suspects were found actively mining.
“Police discovered a campsite away from the river and recovered seven excavators, diesel tanks, a water pump, Jojo tanks, wash plants, generators, trucks and two Toyota Prado vehicles. The equipment was seized and placed under police guard,” he said.
Investigations later linked the site to Young Tech Engineering (Private) Limited.
A second team proceeded to the Beauly area in Penhalonga, where police found evidence of mining operations along the riverbed.
“Searches in nearby bushes led to the recovery of seven excavators hidden in the bush. The machinery was also placed under police guard,” Chinyoka said.
Police investigations identified the site as belonging to Khumbula Mining Syndicate, a registered mining syndicate.
Chinyoka said the cases were later referred to the Criminal Investigations Department Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit in Mutare for further handling.
“On 28 April 2026, representatives from the two companies reported to CID MFFU Mutare claiming ownership of the seized property. They were subsequently charged for carrying out alluvial mining activities along Mutare River,” he said.
The two dockets were forwarded to court for prosecution on 30 April 2026.
Police have in recent months intensified operations against illegal mining activities blamed for environmental degradation, river siltation and destruction of water sources in Manicaland Province.