Harare man in court over alleged illegal gold mining in Marlborough

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 7, 2026

A Harare man has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly conducting illegal gold mining and blasting operations at a residential property in Marlborough, amid concerns over unlicensed mineral prospecting and the use of explosives in an urban neighbourhood. Chiripayi Chipandire appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe on Thursday and was granted US$500 bail.

Chipandire, who is represented by lawyer Tawanda Takaindisa, faces charges relating to the alleged illegal possession of explosives, blasting and prospecting for minerals without the required licence or permits. According to the State, the case dates back to early 2024 when Chipandire allegedly met Douglas Walsh in central Harare. Walsh allegedly told him that there was hidden treasure at Stand Number 4, Wallington Close, Marlborough. Chipandire allegedly hired an excavator and began digging near the property but was stopped after residents objected.

He later approached the property owner, who allegedly allowed him to search for the suspected treasure. Court papers indicate that the operation was subsequently formalised through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. However, residents reportedly raised fresh complaints in January 2025, resulting in the temporary suspension of the activities. The State alleges that Chipandire later resumed prospecting and mining activities without the required documentation from the ministry.

The allegations have raised renewed questions about the risks associated with gold mining in Harare residential areas, particularly where excavation and blasting are undertaken close to homes. The Mines and Minerals Act requires mineral prospecting to be conducted under legally recognised prospecting rights. The legislation also places restrictions on drilling and excavation, meaning possession of a prospecting licence does not automatically authorise all forms of excavation.

Zimbabwe's Environmental Management Agency (EMA) also states that prospecting, mining and quarrying projects require an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate before implementation where the activities fall within the prescribed projects.

The issue is not entirely new in Marlborough. In October 2024, former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe said she personally visited a residential property after receiving a report of suspected gold mining.

“I was shocked to receive a report about gold mining happening in one of the residential properties in Marlborough,” Kadzombe said, adding that workers were found digging and claimed they were constructing a well.

On July 17, 2026, police allegedly arrested several of Chipandire's employees at the property while they were digging shafts.

The State says police recovered explosives, cable fuses, a drill bit, windlass, rope, a demolition hammer and a makeshift “bunga” made from conveyor belts. The prosecution is also alleging that blasting was carried out without the necessary blasting licence and that explosives were acquired without a valid permit. Chipandire has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against him remain before the courts. The case highlights the legal, environmental and public-safety concerns surrounding illegal gold mining in Harare suburbs, particularly where underground shafts and blasting activities are carried out near residential properties.

A Harare man has appeared in court over alleged illegal gold mining, blasting and possession of explosives at a residential property in Marlborough.

illegal gold mining in Harare