High Court Rejects Application By Kadoma Residents

By Court Correspondent

Harare- High Court Judge has ruled against Kadoma resident regardless of their health, life and welfare against the gold mining company, Rio Zim.

Representing, lawyer Tawanda Zhuwarara said the company had a license to mine the area and it could relocate residents to a safer place.

Kadoma residents who spoke to this publication soon after the ruling said it was a fairy tale as the relocation statement has been said since 2010.

“It is very unfortunate that the High court did not see or look at this matter with its value it deserves.

Mining activities being done by Rio Zim will cost lives and this judgment will affect many with depression after having a little hope from court processes,”said during a residents meeting.

“We have sort numerous interventions and attention from various stakeholders to be free from this place but once again 樂威壯
we have lost faith and if any of the residents succumb to mining activities carried out here in Kadoma, the blood will be in the hands of the High Courts” they added.

In his ruling, Justice Mafuruse dismissed the residents’ application on technicalities that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the ministry of mines and mining development were not cited as respondents on the matter.

Residents said in their application wanted the company to relocate them to another area with structures of similar value, they also cited issues to do with blasts which EMA may fail to respond to but the minister of mines which also cannot sufficiently address their grievances.

“Each time Rio Zim conduct its blasting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, they would request residents to come out of their house in case a house may collapse or stones may protrude through the roof and fall onto the person.

Mafusire said this application cannot succeed as the applicants rely on undertakings by respondent to relocate them since they have abandoned the matter.