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Vubachikwe Gold Mine Targeted in Alleged ZANU-PF-Led Illegal Mining Raid

Gwanda, Zimbabwe – Vubachikwe Gold Mine, owned by foreign investor Duration Gold Limited, was invaded Thursday in a brazen illegal mining operation allegedly led by ZANU-PF officials, raising concerns about Zimbabwe’s image as a secure investment destination.

Witnesses said the group, reportedly led by Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who claimed to represent the First Family, descended on the mine in branded party vehicles bearing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s image. Equipped with heavy earthmoving machinery, they began mining a surface section of the lease.

Police on-site reportedly stood by, powerless. Earlier this week, authorities had cleared the area of smaller illegal mining groups targeting the same patch, identified as key to Duration Gold’s development plans.

Rumors about the land’s potential reportedly attracted a group of ZANU-PF loyalists from Kwekwe, led by Mnangagwa, who launched the invasion.

Efforts to reach the mine manager for comment were unsuccessful, though sources said he was present during the incident.

District Police Officer Bekezela Ndlovu referred queries to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, who said he could not comment immediately as he had yet to receive a briefing.

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more details emerge.

Branded ZANU-PF vehicles at the site of the illegal mining invasion at Vubachikwe Gold Mine in Gwanda