Boardroom Coup or Just Muck Throwing Contest? The Botha Gold Mine Saga
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Bindura, Mashonaland Central – The drama at Botha Mine has escalated into a full-blown boardroom rift, splitting the company into two warring factions. On one side is the camp led by Interim Board Chairman Leonard Rwambiwa, and on the other, the faction loyal to former chairperson Themba Hlongwane. A series of accusations and counter-accusations have marked the ensuing conflict, each faction issuing press statements to assert their narrative.
Closure and Community Impact
The closure of Botha Gold Mine in December 2024 particularly impacted the area known as Kitsiyatota, where thousands of artisanal miners depended on retrieving and processing discarded ore. The suspension disrupted their livelihoods, leading to a surge in crime, including robberies and stabbings. Residents attribute the increase in crime to the growing number of unemployed artisanal miners. In one instance, a video circulating on social media showed a man allegedly stabbed and robbed near the mine.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development found Botha Gold Mine non-compliant in several areas, prompting the suspension. Issues included operating outside permitted boundaries and lacking proper safety measures.
Recent Developments and Factional Accusations
In January, Botha Mine confirmed that Hlongwane and Mpofu-Chisvo had been suspended. Hlongwane faces charges of fraud, theft, and kidnapping, while Mpofu-Chisvo faces allegations of theft, fraud, and concealing a transaction involving over US$300,000.
Pro-Rwambiwa Faction’s Accusations
In a statement issued on 8 January 2025, Botha Mine, under the leadership of Leonard Rwambiwa, addressed the criminal allegations against Mr. Themba Hlongwane, including charges of fraud and forgery, concealing information from principals, theft of $195,000 through his family trust Sendoyi Trust, extorting $20,000 per shaft from contractors against company policy, asset misappropriation, and attempted theft of minority shareholders’ shares using his family trust. The statement confirmed that Hlongwane is no longer associated with the company and has not won any legal cases against Botha Mine. The community was warned against engaging in any transactions with him on behalf of the company.
Regarding Angela Mpofu-Chisvo, the mine stated that she has been suspended for concealing material transactions and continuing to work with Hlongwane despite knowing he was no longer a director. She concluded several contracts with contractors, collecting more than $740,000 without disclosing it to shareholders as required by the shareholder agreement. She has been barred from entering the mine premises. Investigations are ongoing.
Interim Chairperson Leonard Rwambiwa reaffirmed the company’s commitment to integrity and transparency: “We are fully committed to working with the authorities to ensure all matters are resolved fairly and justly. Our priority remains the safety and welfare of our employees and the integrity of our operations.”
Pro-Hlongwane Faction’s Counter-Accusations
On 6 February 2025, a press statement was issued by individuals aligned with Mr Hlongwane, contesting the legitimacy of the earlier statements from the Rwambiwa-led faction. The press release announced that the fraudulent court orders obtained by the minority shareholders, including Mr Rwambiwa, had been rescinded by Judge Msithu, effectively voiding any claims or actions taken pursuant to the fraudulent orders.
The statement declared that the individuals involved in the alleged fraudulent actions, including Munyaradzi Nzarayapenga, Leonard Rwambiwa, Dudzai Ruzvidzo Kajokoto, Ashley Ziyarura Zulu, Simbarashe Nzenza, and Tendai Chinyani, do not represent Botha Gold Mine. Furthermore, the pro-Hlongwane faction apologised to Mr. Themba Hlongwane and Mrs. Angela Mpofu-Chisvo, who were accused of misappropriating funds and concealing information. They clarified that these accusations were part of a scheme by devious minority shareholders to seize control of the company.
Mr. Rwambiwa’s Response
In response to the counter-accusations, Mr Rwambiwa explained his appointment as Interim Board Chairman of Botha Gold Mine, highlighting that he was appointed on 24th July 2024 as per the COBE provisions. He detailed the reasons for Hlongwane’s removal, citing serious misconduct including fraud, forgery, theft, extortion, and other allegations. He also explained the suspension of Mpofu-Chisvo for concealing transactions and collaborating with Hlongwane. Mr Rwambiwa reaffirmed the legitimacy of the court orders obtained by the minority shareholders and condemned Hlongwane for spreading falsehoods to mislead the public. He expressed confidence that sustainable mining and safety for employees and artisanal miners would be ensured once sanity prevails at the mine.
Despite multiple attempts, we were unable to contact Mr Hlongwane to hear his side of the story.
Future Outlook
As the boardroom rift continues to widen, the community and stakeholders await further updates and resolutions to the concerns surrounding Botha Mine. The situation remains tense as accusations and legal proceedings unfold, with both factions vying for control.
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