Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Crimes & Court Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Two men have appeared in the Tredgold Magistrates’ Court, Bulawayo, facing charges of unlawfully prospecting for gold without a permit, in violation of Section 368(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 21:05.
The accused, 53-year-old Sibangilizwe Ncube and 27-year-old Request Mpofu, allegedly conducted illegal gold prospecting at an open pit located on the campus of the National University of Science and Technology on 19 February 2026. Investigators allege that neither individual held a license authorizing them to prospect for gold.
According to court, following their arrest, authorities conducted a search of a motor vehicle linked to the accused and recovered nine sacks of gold ore.
Additional searches on the university campus led to the recovery of mining equipment, including a Lutian 3000w generator, a jack hammer set casing, two chisels, and 20 meters of electric cable, which were found near one of the pits.
Investigators determined that the generator, jack hammer set, chisels, and cable belonged to Sibangilizwe Ncube, while the motor vehicle used during the prospecting was driven by Request Mpofu.
The gold ore was taken to ZIMPOST, Bulawayo, where it was weighed in the presence of the accused, totaling 385.7 kilograms.
The case is scheduled to continue on 23 February 2026, when the court will decide whether the accused will be granted bail or not.
The Mines and Minerals Act clearly prohibits prospecting for gold or other minerals without a valid permit or license, and this case underscores the enforcement of mining laws in Zimbabwe, particularly within public and institutional areas.
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