Vubachikwe Mine operations still suspended

Zim Now Writer

Vubachikwe Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, is yet to resume operations following an illegal strike on November 8 that degenerated into an orgy of violence and looting led to the destruction o0f machinery and equipment.

The wives of the mine workers picketed at the entrance of the mine as early as 3am on 8 November, demanding to see management over their husbands’ unpaid salaries.

They said they were failing to pay school fees, and medicals and afford decent meals because their husbands had not been paid.

Police were called in and dispersed the crowd, which had been joined in by artisanal miners. However, the miners returned at night and started burning and damaging property at the mine as well as looting shops.

Vubachikwe Mine manager, Nan Kananji, said the mine will remain closed until it was safe to resume operations.

“Mining operations have been temporarily suspended due to an illegal strike and riot that occurred on the 8th of November 2022, which caused substantial damage to the mine and physical injury to certain employees.

“This illegal strike had been preceded by two other illegal strikes that took place on 17 October and 1 November, which have also contributed to the current situation.

“The mine will remain temporarily suspended until it’s declared safe to resume operations by the mine manager,” Kananji said in a statement.

He added that management and workers’ representatives will come up with a work plan on modalities of paying employees’ outstanding salaries.

Over 100 workers were arrested for public violence in the aftermath of the disturbances.