Rutendo Chirume
GUTU-A long-running ownership dispute over gold rich Cheer Up 1 Mine, trading as Mudzimundiringe Syndicate in Zoma near Chatsworth, Gutu, has taken a new turn after the High Court facilitated a settlement between the disputing parties.
Ahead of the court-driven settlement, tensions at the mine had previously escalated into violence, with reports of an injury during clashes between rival groups. The situation prompted authorities to temporarily shut down operations and deploy police to restore order at the site.
Justice Christopher Dube-Banda delivered the judgment on July 31 after the parties agreed on a framework to govern the mine’s operations while allowing room for further negotiations.
The applicants were represented by Justin Zuze of Zuze Law Chambers, while the respondents were represented by Owen Mafa. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development was represented by Eunice Shoko.
Under the agreement reached before the court, mine proceeds will be shared as follows: 30 percent to the syndicate, 25 percent to the sponsor, 25 percent to the workers and 20 percent to the mine owner, Maidei Badza.
In an interview after the ruling, Badza welcomed the settlement, saying the parties had agreed to work together.
“We agreed to work together under those conditions and see if there are avenues for further negotiations,” she said.»
The agreement is expected to allow mining operations to continue while giving the parties an opportunity to pursue further discussions on any outstanding issues.
The dispute over the mine had previously escalated into litigation following disagreements over ownership and the management of the mining operation.
