Former ZANU PF Director Accused Of Mine Takeovers In Mudzi

Gold claim holders in Makaha, Mudzi District, Mashonaland East, have accused former ZANU-PF Director of Information Danny Musukuma of seizing their claims following joint venture arrangements.

The dispute highlights tensions in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where politically connected individuals are frequently accused of displacing legitimate claimholders.

Musukuma, formerly part of ZANU PF’s Harare provincial leadership and district coordinating committee before the 2017 ouster of Robert Mugabe, is accused by villagers, including a widow, of using political influence to take over mines that provide their main source of income.

In a viral video, villagers and a local head alleged that Musukuma has forcibly taken control of claims despite owners holding valid mining documents.

They also claimed he exerts influence over Makosa Police Station, preventing reports against him and sometimes seeing complainants arrested after filing grievances.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police were investigating the matter. He said:

“As police, we have launched an investigation into the matter, and we will provide more information once we get the correct details.”

Villagers say Musukuma entered a gold mining joint venture with the late Juwau John Nkomo before allegedly taking full control and evicting the deceased’s family from the operation.

Rabson Nkomo, who is the executor of the estate of Juwau, said:

“My father died at the age of 106. When we engaged Musukuma over the gold claim ownership, he threatened us with a gun.

“As a family, we approached the Mines ministry, which confirmed that we are the legitimate owners of the mine.

“Today, Musukuma has taken over what belongs to us, claiming that he is untouchable because of his proximity to the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa).

“People are losing their gold claims here to Musukuma; we are appealing to the government to come and assist us. We are being terrorised in broad daylight.”

Rabson claimed that Musukuma fired at their homestead, yet the police took no action. He said:

“The mining deal was that Musukuma gets 60% and my late father gets 40% but we have been getting nothing.

“At one point, he fired four shots at our homestead. I even took the cartridges to Makosa Police Station, but the police did not take action.”

Villagers accused Musukuma of dumping sand in their fields, destroying homes, and exploiting their gold claims. Village head Chitiyo said Musukuma boasted of being untouchable.

They claimed he, with the help of Makosa police, has blocked them from accessing their mines despite holding valid licences.

Victims also said they were repeatedly dragged to court over frivolous charges and acquitted each time.

Officers from the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit at Mutoko Central Police Station were accused of taking bribes to arrest and detain them at Musukuma’s request.

The villagers have lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission over police conduct.

More: NewsDay