The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has finally resolved to transfer the US$650,000 gold ore theft case from the Mutoko magistrates to Harare after the complainant, cited a litany of irregularities including alleged corruption
Recently, a 32-year-old Mudzi man, Tedious Dumba Bote, who allegedly stole more than 2 153 tonnes of gold ore from Milmath Security, a mining company in the gold-rich area of Makaha, was granted a US$400 bail by Mutoko magistrate Chiedza Gatsi despite the investigating officer opposing it .
The detective from the police’s CID Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit, said Bote was threatening witnesses and that further investigations were being conducted to recover some of the gold ore and vehicle purchased by money realised from the stolen loot.
According to a letter dated September 18, Milmath Security pleaded with the NPA to have the case be heard at a different court
The company also revealed that a number of its previous cases were not being handled professionally at the Mutoko magistrates court.
In its response dated September 23 gleaned by this paper, the NPA instructed Mashonaland East provincial chief prosecutor John Hama to transfer the case to the Harare magistrates court and at the same time investigate the complaint.
"May you kindly investigate the above complaint and revert back to us with your findings by the 3rd of October 2025," reads the letter.
"In light of the circumstances surrounding this matter, may you consider transferring the case to Harare magistrates court.
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“This would help ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in a manner that upholds public confidence and procedural fairness."
Bote allegedly stole 2153 tonnes of gold dump at Milmath Security Mine in Mudzi between July and August this year.
The accused was allegedly seen moving the gold ore using hired trucks.
He then allegedly acquired a Toyota GD6 single cab truck.
Police recovered part of the stolen gold ore, but a larger chunk of it is yet to be recovered.
The value of the stolen gold ore is US$646 128 and only US$7 200 was recovered.
Police detectives also recovered and seized the vehicle as investigations continue.
