VILLAGERS in Shurugwi, the Midlands province, have petitioned the Mines and Mining Development ministry to stop mining operations of a private company over concerns that it is encroaching onto their land.
The villagers petitioned the ministry, Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Owen Ncube, the Judicial Service Commission and the police protesting against Fleekfair (Private) Company fronted by Kelvin Fondoka and Allan Sibanda.
In their petition dated March 1, 2025, signed by traditional leaders, the villagers alleged harassment to force them off their lands.
“We, the undersigned residents of Zvimumwa-Dhlemiti (ward 16), submit the petition to strongly oppose Kelvin Fondoka’s illegal mining operations and the abuse of legal machinations that have left our community confined and vulnerable to exploitation (sic),” the petition read.
The villagers said they faced arrest for standing up against the miner.
“Law enforcement agents instead of upholding justice, are being used to protect an individual operating outside the law,” they said.
“All mining activities conducted by Fleekfair Trading represented by Allan Sibanda and Kevin Fondoka and his company must be halted immediately until a full investigation is conducted.
“The community bakery must be reinstated and compensation must be provided for stolen quarry stones.”
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Added the villagers: “We the people of Zviwumwa-Dhlemiti demand immediate action to restore justice and protect our land from illegal exploitation.
“If these concerns are ignored, we will escalate our grievances through government and international advocate channels.”
Fondoka, however, denied the charges when reached for comment.
“They want to tarnish our image,” he said. “We have won the case at the High Court, and I don’t know why they are still fighting us.”
