The High Court has struck off the roll an urgent application by Angela Mpofu, Mcpern Enterprises, and Laird Investments against Side Electrical, trading as Botha Gold Mine, marking another setback in a protracted legal battle. This latest move is part of a series of court actions following the collapse of contractual relationships at the Bindura mine.
The dismissed application (HCH186/26) is the latest chapter in a saga involving a group of former contractors and associates. The disputes arose after internal investigations into alleged misconduct, including theft and incitement, led to terminated mining arrangements.
Despite earlier rulings clarifying the parties' rights, the applicants have continued to file urgent applications seeking interdicts, joinder, and contempt relief, often based on the same factual circumstances already ventilated before the courts. In prior proceedings (HCH 5835/25), the High Court confirmed Side Electrical as the registered and lawful holder of the mining claims, with contractors operating only through contractual permission, not ownership.
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The latest matter failed to clear procedural hurdles and was removed from the roll, reinforcing judicial reluctance to entertain repetitive litigation framed as urgency. Legal analysts note the decision reflects the court's growing intolerance for attempts to re-litigate settled issues or use urgent applications as a pressure tactic.
The record reflects earlier concerns over irregular authority and defective representation within the applicants' filings, weakening their case. With the matter struck off, Botha Gold Mine's legal standing remains intact, retaining lawful title to the mining claims and continuing operations in line with court orders and statutory obligations.
The latest ruling sends a clear message: the courts won't be used to advance reputational attacks or undo contractual consequences through procedural maneuvering.
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