Magunje Cement Plant Executives Held in Contempt

High Court judge Justice Philda Muzofa finds Wih-Zimbabwe Construction Material Investments and its director in contempt for defying a court order to halt the Magunje cement plant project (image source)

High Court judge Justice Philda Muzofa has found executives of Wih-Zimbabwe Construction Material Investments in contempt for ignoring a February order to halt construction of a cement plant in Magunje, Hurungwe District. She directed an immediate suspension of all works and imposed penalties on the company and its director.

Justice Muzofa delivered her ruling at the Chinhoyi High Court under Case No. HCCC15/25, declaring that “the first and second respondents (Labenmon Investments and its director Daniel Mlalazi) are hereby found to be in contempt of this court’s provisional order issued on February 4, 2025.” She ordered Labenmon and Wih-Zimbabwe to stop all construction until the original challenge is resolved. The court fined Labenmon Investments US$3,000, payable within 30 days. Director Daniel Mlalazi received a 30-day imprisonment sentence, wholly suspended on condition of compliance. If construction resumes before the final hearing, the suspended sentence will be activated.

Villagers from Kapere and Chasara (Ward 11) initiated the legal action through Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), alleging the cement plant encroached on grazing and farmland without consultation. “Our livestock have lost grazing grounds and water points,” said petitioner Madzanthe Chifamba, who attended the hearing. “We sought legal protection, yet the company carried on building.”

ZLHR senior attorney Rudo Nyandoro welcomed the ruling but urged continued vigilance. “This judgment reaffirms the courts’ role in defending community rights,” she said. “We call on Wih-Zimbabwe to respect the rule of law and engage meaningfully with affected residents.” Representatives of Wih-Zimbabwe and Labenmon did not attend the hearing but submitted an affidavit blaming subcontractor lapses. Company spokesperson Michael Dube claimed works were “routine site clearance” and not full construction. He told the court that halting the project would cost “millions in lost investments” and delay promised jobs for local youth.

The Magunje cement plant was approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in late 2024 and touted as a US$50 million project to boost local infrastructure and job creation. However, residents say environmental impact assessments were rushed and public hearings never convened. In February 2025, the High Court granted a provisional order suspending all activities pending a full review of land use permits, environmental compliance, and community consultations.

Environmental lawyer Dr. Tendai Ncube notes similar disputes have plagued industrial developments across Zimbabwe. “Without transparent engagement, projects spark legal battles that stall national development,” he said. Justice Muzofa scheduled the substantive hearing for 20 November 2025, at which both sides will present evidence on land rights and environmental approvals. If Wih-Zimbabwe remains non-compliant, the court may convert the contempt finding into custodial terms and higher fines.

Meanwhile, Hurungwe residents continue to patrol the site and document any resumed works. “We will not allow another breach of our rights,” said community leader Esther Mandaza.