Former Mines Minister Winston Chitando faces numerous criminal allegations from a HARARE resources company for allegedly giving a rival miner rich gold claims in Bindura through corruption.
The accusations, which cover everything from fraud to abuse of public office, concern how Chitando—currently serving as the minister for local government—managed a disagreement between Blackgate Investments and two businesses, Ran Mine and G&P Industries, about four gold claims.
The conflict was settled by Chitando in favour of Ran Mine and G&P Industries, who are currently in charge of the gold claims.
Although the Ran Mine in Bindura has been in operation for more than a century, it has recently been the site of some of the worst mining catastrophes in the nation.
Kimberley 18 and 19, which Chitando granted to Ran Mine and G&P Industries in his 2021 decision, are the central claims in the case.
According to records viewed by Alpha Media Holdings’ investigative squad, the Truth Diggers, Ran Mine and G&P Industries have been at odds with Blackgate for more than 15 years.
Blackgate alleges in the dockets filed at the Harare Central Police Station on January 24 of this year that criminal activity involving a number of influential people occurred prior to Chitando’s decision.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and numerous important government organisations received dockets containing distinct criminal accusations against Onesimo Moyo, the former permanent secretary of Mines and Mining Development.
Godwin Matanga, the Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), received another copy for “safe keeping.”
Chitando “emerged as a kingpin who violated the Mines and Minerals Act countless times through his…self-serving decision making and use of emissaries who would front his own personal interests,” according to Blackgate director Angeline Munyeza.
“On August 31, 2021…”In defiance of the decisions and suggestions made by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s dispute resolution committee, Winston Chitando rendered a decision that gave Blackgate Investments the ownership of Kimberleys 20 and 21 but denied it Kimberleys 18 and 19. Munyeza said.
“On August 31, 2021, Mr. Chitando made a unilateral decision to grant the Kimberely 18 and 19 claims of Ran Mine and G&P Industries, with the intention of undermining Blackgate Investments by ignoring the dispute resolution committee’s findings and investigations.”
In addition, Blackgate’s charge sheet (CR695/01/24) asserted that there was a “conspiracy” to forfeit the central claims in question.
In prior interviews with the Zimbabwe Independent, G&P and Ran Mine refuted any misconduct in relation to the allegations.
According to Munyeza, special police units were investigating the matter.
According to Blackgate’s charge sheet, “we have since opened criminal cases, which are currently being investigated by the Police Anti-Corruption Unit (Pacu)”.
Thus, we are accusing the aforementioned people of “conspiracy” with Chitando as the mastermind who intended to purposefully deprive Blackgate Investments of its ownership of the mining rights in issue in accordance with Section 188 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act9:23).
This week, inquiries were forwarded to the Ministry of Mines by Chitando’s communications office under the Local Government ministry.
However, Ministry of Mines officials stated they could not comment on a matter that was still in court.
Ministry spokesperson Wilfred Munetsi stated, “At this time, we are unable to comment on matters that are sub judice…it is pending before the court.”
Former permanent secretary for mines Moyo stated he was unable to comment on a matter that was still in court.
As you are aware, the courts have previously heard this case. I am unable to remark as this is a subject of public interest. I hope this response satisfies your needs, Moyo said.
Through Munyeza, Blackgate verified that the company had complained to Pacu and had written to Matanga particularly about the matter.
Munyeza acknowledged having written to Commissioner General Matanga.
The letter was recognised by the commissioner general’s office. Certain dockets belong to Pacu, while others are under CCU.
According to Matanga, he was still going over Blackgate’s files yesterday night.
The ZRP spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, stated, “The Commissioner General is still studying the appeal from Blackgate Investments and the veracity of the allegations raised.”
“In due course, the company’s representative and the Zimbabwe Republic Police will provide a comprehensive response to the media inquiries,” he continued.
According to documents, Moyo took action based on an alleged “fake” letter that Francis Gudyanga, his predecessor, allegedly signed on November 25, 2013, granting the assets to G&P Industries and Ran Mine.
According to the records, Gudyanga denied having signed the letter.
According to Blackgate’s charge sheet, Munyeza, together with Ran Mine and G&P directors Jackson Murehwa and Richard Chiwandire, attended a meeting at the Mines ministry on February 6, 2020, when Gudyanga’s “letter” from November 25 was displayed, in an attempt to settle the disagreement.
According to Blackgate’s charge sheet against Moyo, “I attended a dispute committee meeting involving Blackgate Investments (and) Ran Mines and G&P Industries sometime on the 6th of February 2020 at the Ministry of Mines.”
“A letter allegedly prepared by the previous permanent secretary of mines, Gudyanga, was submitted in the aforementioned meeting by Ran Mine and G&P Industries.
Also read: ZACC Arrests ‘Ernest Shenje’ Over US$1 Million Mbudzi Roundabout Fraud
According to the paper, “it had already been established that Ran Mine currently and rightfully owned the said claims at the time of their registration, and in light of this Ran Mine should proceed and work on the said claims.”
Blackgate contested this letter’s validity, therefore the police hired a forensic expert to confirm Gudyanga’s “letter” was genuine.
The Truth Diggers were able to view the documents that the forensic expert used to verify its authenticity.
Gudyanga, the former secretary, vehemently denied ever writing the letter when asked to confirm that she had written it.
In an affidavit given before a commissioner of oaths on November 20, 2021, he denied having written the letter and stated that the signature that was attached “was not his.”
For feedback and comments, please contact ZiMetro News on WhatsApp: +27 82 836 5828.