Violent clashes broke out in Goromonzi North on Wednesday following the discovery of gold deposits at Lonely Park Farm, which is owned by Antony Retzlarf. The conflict arose when a group of youths, reportedly aligned with Zanu PF, demanded inclusion in gold mining activities at the site.
Led by Zanu PF officials from Vhuta ward 13, the youths accused the Mashonaland East provincial youth league secretary for education, Pardon Chibamu, of seizing the gold claim without their consent.
The group, claiming they had discovered the gold as local villagers, stormed the farm while singing war songs and holding placards. The confrontation escalated, with Chibamu’s Toyota Fortuner vehicle being damaged in the chaos.
In a letter dated December 10 addressed to Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Daniel Garwe, local leaders, including area councillor Peter Million, accused Chibamu of using political influence to take control of the gold claim.
Part of the letter stated:
“We hereby submit a complaint to your respective office against the offer of a mine site given to Pardon Chibamu by the farmer Antony Retzlarf. The Vhuta community discovered a gold belt at Lonely Park Farm, and when it got to the ears of Pardon Chibamu, he misled Mr. Retzlarf and negotiated to get the place using his party muscle.”
Ceylon Gotora, secretary of the Vhuta community, confirmed that the confrontation turned violent, with gunshots reportedly fired at the site. “Some gunshots were fired on the day, and four villagers were arrested over the issue. They are appearing in court today,” Gotora said.
The community also confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged with provincial authorities, but no response had been received at the time of reporting.
Chibamu acknowledged the clashes but maintained that he is the legitimate owner of the mining claim, insisting he has all the necessary documentation to prove his ownership.
“I am the legitimate owner of the mine. I have the required documents to prove it,” Chibamu said. He dismissed the allegations, claiming that those protesting were not associated with Zanu PF.
“Those who demonstrated at the mine are not even Zanu PF people. Zanu PF people are disciplined. People should learn to follow and respect the processes. We are legally mining in the area. Mining is all about paperwork.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial spokesperson Tatenda Mavetera were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to questions sent to her.
The situation remains tense as local villagers await feedback on their complaint regarding the gold claim. Meanwhile, those arrested during the clashes have appeared in court, with further developments expected in the coming days.
