The decision by the first and second respondents to forfeit the applicant’s mining claim is invalid. It is palpably arbitrary and violates every known procedure intended to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice.

On 8 January 2021, the applicant addressed a letter to the first and second respondents seeking to be informed of any arrears in respect of statutory payments over a claim that it owns.

The applicant has never received a demand for payment of anything from the respondents or notice that failure to make such payments could have adverse consequences. Had such notice been received, the applicant would have promptly acted to secure its interests.

Had the applicant not sought to put its house in order, it would still be in blissful ignorance of the decisions made against it.

Kunaka says Minister Chitando’s letter to Fidelity which dated 11 January 2021 does not give detailed reasons behind the decision to forfeit the mining claim, only making reference to statutory provisions.

Fidelity Printers is also seeking an order interdicting and restraining Nyevero from entering the disputed mining premises or disturbing operations.

But in his notice of opposition, Nyevera argued that he was allocated the mine after the expiry of Fidelity Printers’ mining rights and denied ever hiring thugs to evict the company.

Nyevera added it should be him seeking an order to stop the “illegal mining operations” by Zvayi and his partner on the basis that gold is a finite resource which can be depleted.

Nyevera also argued that Fidelity forfeited its right to sue when it sold the mining area to Caesar Zvayi.

The matter is yet to be heard.

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