Mpofu, Mugabe ‘relative’ in ugly fight over mining rights

The former cop, Bernard Bhunu Garamukanwa, who claims to be in hiding, accuses Mpofu of trying to forcibly push him off his farm following the discovery of gold, in a wrangle that has sucked in President Robert Mugabe and two more Zanu PF ministers.

Garamukanwa alleges that a named minister led an invasion of the farm by Zanu PF youths and another one (name supplied) intercepted letters sent to Mugabe alerting him about the invasion.

In a letter to Mpofu, Garamukanwa said he had given the mines minister a letter that was addressed to Mugabe detailing the manner in which the ministry had handled the alleged invasion.

However, the former cop says he was shocked that Mpofu was said to have an interest in Bermeyside Farm in Chegutu.

“It’s now a shocking surprise that you, the minister is said (sic) to have an interest in that mining venture,” reads a letter dated May 27 2011.

“It means the non-compliance with the provisions of the Act Chapter 21:05, by the Mining Board was meant to provide you with the opportunity to protect your interest.”

Garamukanwa said he was provided with information by people at the two companies that were alleged to be leading the farm invasion.

The ex-policeman, who claims to be related to Mugabe, said he felt cornered and could be left without a choice “but to release your name (Mpofu) and other political heavyweights involved in this mining venture with Indians to the President (Mugabe)”.

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But Mpofu described Garamukanwa as a lunatic, saying he had not seen any letter written by the former cop.

“He is a lunatic, I don’t think he knows what he is talking about,” the minister shot back.

Mpofu said he was on leave and would only return to work tomorrow.

Garamukanwa said he had gone into hiding as the invaders made it impossible for him to stay on his farm and he feared for his life.

“The invaders have put my life in danger. they no longer want me to move freely on my farm,” he alleged.

“They no longer want me to have anything to do with that part of the farm, although the Mines and Minerals Act says the property is mine.”

But a Mashonaland West Ministry of Mines official, who requested anonymity said there was nothing wrong in somebody being given mining rights inside someone’s property as long as it is done according to the law, with the consent of the farm owner in writing.

According to the Mining Act, in the event of a dispute between the farmer and the miner, the matter should be referred to the Administrative Court for arbitration although mining supercedes agriculture.