Ruwa Man Gets Five Years For 0.096g Of Gold

RUWA – A 45‑year‑old Ruwa man was sentenced to five years in prison after police caught him with less than a gram of gold mined illegally on Chisi, the traditional day of rest.

Officials say the case highlights Zimbabwe’s uncompromising crackdown on illicit mining.

Acting on a tip‑off at Greencroft mine in Harare on August 20, mine officials traced fresh footprints from an active shaft to a nearby compound.

There they confronted Tafadzwa Matsika, who produced a sachet containing 0.096 grams of gold.

Without a licence or permit, he was arrested immediately and handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the ruling, saying it demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect the economy from illegal mining.

“This conviction underscores Zimbabwe’s zero‑tolerance stance on illegal gold trade. Even the smallest amount in the wrong hands threatens economic security and fuels illicit mining,” the NPA said.

Matsika was charged under the Gold Trade Act, a law designed to stamp out rampant illegal mining.

Officials said the five‑year term should deter others from breaking the law.

The case highlights government efforts to protect natural resources so they benefit the nation rather than criminal networks.

In a separate case, Wedza Resident Magistrate Tariro Chamisa convicted two Sadza residents, barber Paston Mjiba (39) and hospital worker Letwin Alice Mungoni (34), for dealing in dangerous drugs.

Police acted on a tip‑off on November 15 and recovered three sachets of crystal meth (guka‑mutoriro), 200 empty plastic bags, a digital scale, 15 cigarette lighters, and two improvised bulb devices used to consume the drug.

Both accused pleaded guilty.

Mjiba was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with three months suspended for five years, leaving him with nine months to serve.

Mungoni received 12 months, with six months suspended, leaving her with six months effective.

Prosecutor Vimbainashe John Mukondo said the arrests show police vigilance in tackling drug trafficking, even when it occurs in community spaces such as barber shops and hospital staff quarters.

Authorities say the two cases underline Zimbabwe’s determination to fight illegal mining and drug trafficking, both of which undermine the economy and endanger public health.

-MyZimbabwe