The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched an investigation into the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development over the cancellation of a coal mining concession linked to Sengwa Colliery, a decision taken during the tenure of former minister Winston Chitando.
The probe comes three months after President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed Chitando from Cabinet.
Documents seen by this publication show that ZACC wrote to Mines Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka on February 23, 2026 requesting detailed records related to the cancellation of Special Grant No. 849 at Sengwa Colliery. The anti-corruption body said it is examining the circumstances under which the mining title was revoked and directed the ministry to submit certified documents within seven working days.
Records indicate the decision to cancel the grant was made in August 2024 during Chitando’s tenure, with the grantee, Rio-Zimbabwe, formally notified on August 15, 2024.
ZACC requested the full file on the concession, including notices of intention to cancel the grant, cancellation letters, the legal basis used to revoke the title, and minutes or resolutions of the Mining Affairs Board relating to the matter. The commission also asked for legal opinions on the legality of the decision and records of meetings between ministry officials and interested parties.
Investigators further demanded documents showing how the mining location was later allocated to another entity.
Related Stories
Kunaka declined to comment, saying any remarks could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The Sengwa concession is part of a broader dispute involving RioZim Limited, which has been accused of financial irregularities by the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers’ Union.
In a complaint filed with ZACC in September 2025, the union alleged that although the ministry cancelled the Sengwa grant in August 2024, coal claims linked to the same concession were disposed of three months later, raising questions about the legality of the transaction.
The union also accused the company of diverting trading proceeds through accounts belonging to Rio Gold (Private) Limited after the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority garnished its bank accounts.
Governance concerns at the company intensified after the death of former chairman Harpal Randhawa in 2023, which analysts say created a leadership vacuum during a period marked by disputes over asset disposals and financial transparency.
The investigation now shifts attention to the Mines Ministry itself. In December 2025, Mnangagwa replaced Chitando with Polite Kambamura, although permanent secretary Kunaka has remained in his position.
ZACC has not yet indicated whether any ministry officials or companies have been identified as suspects.
Leave Comments