By Flata Kavinga
A director of Mhuriyengwe Mining Syndicate, retired Major Shakespeare Magadu has accused Chinese-owned firm Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments of illegally encroaching on his land and conducting unauthorised mining operations at Donzic 522 Mine in Kwekwe.
Speaking to journalists at the mining site, Magadu alleged that Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments invaded his 50-hectare plot, Subdivision 1 of Sherwood Block, without his consent and began mining activities in violation of Zimbabwean law.
Magadu claimed the company pegged a mining claim on his land without approval and has restricted his farming activities while making infrastructural changes such as road construction.
He said the dispute dates back to 2024 when the company allegedly promised to establish power infrastructure, including a solar or electric grid, which he claims never materialised.
“This situation has changed over the years. Initially, they made promises about development, but now they are mining without consent. This is unacceptable and must be addressed through the law,” Magadu said.
He further alleged that the company’s actions contradict President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for peaceful co-existence between local communities and foreign investors.
Magadu accused Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments of defying a High Court order issued by Justice Zisengwe, sitting at Masvingo, on 13 January 2026, which directed the company to stop operations at Donzic 522 Mine following an ownership dispute.
Under High Court case number HCMSC 5/26, the court issued a provisional order interdicted Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, cited as the first respondent, and its agents from interfering with mining activities at the gold-rich claim allegedly owned by Mhuriyengwe Mining Syndicate.
The order states that “the first respondent and/or its employees, assignees or agents be and are hereby interdicted from interfering with the applicant’s activities at Donzic 522, Registration Number 18527BM, Kwekwe, Midlands Province.”
Mhuriyengwe Mining Syndicate is run by Austin Maisva, Shakespeare Magadu and Charmaine Mahlatini. The Provincial Mining Director for Midlands Province was cited as the second respondent in the matter.
Magadu said the company was served with the court order but has continued operating at the site.
He further alleged that large quantities of ore have been extracted from the mine since December 2025, adding that the syndicate has not benefitted from the operations. These claims could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments were unsuccessful by the time of going to print.
- Meanwhile, a Chinese national and a Zimbabwean, allegedly employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, were arrested by officers from the Kwekwe CID Minerals Department on Friday, 30 January 2026.
The two were arrested at Donzic 522 Mine following allegations of gold ore theft and operating in breach of the High Court order.
They were expected to appear before the Kwekwe Magistrates Court on Friday but were later released after Ming Chang’s Board of Directors signed a resolution authorising a company representative, Praise Mukarati, to stand on its behalf.
The matter did not proceed in court and was referred back to the police for further investigations.
