Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO — Former Cabinet minister Dzikamai Mavhaire has sought to clarify the controversy surrounding the boom gates at Hillview Farm in Masvingo, saying the recent High Court ruling pertained to access to farm roads, not the ownership or takeover of gold mining claims.
Mavhaire provided this clarification during a guided tour of the farm, where he explained that the boom gates were introduced as part of measures to control movement and enhance security on the privately owned property.
The issue came under the spotlight after miner Robert Kagandi approached the High Court, seeking restoration of access to seven hectares of mining claims located within the farm.
In his ruling, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda ordered the restoration of unrestricted access to the mining claims, finding that restricting previously available road access amounted to a technical form of spoliation.
Mavhaire, however, said the judgment did not transfer ownership of the roads, invalidate his property rights, or direct that the security gates be removed.
“The judgment dealt strictly with access to farm roads,” he said.
He said the absence of proper access controls had increasingly resulted in the farm being used as an open thoroughfare, creating security concerns for agricultural operations, workers, and legitimate mining activities.
Mavhaire said the farm had also experienced increased movement of heavy mining vehicles, contractors, and other individuals whose identities were not always verified.
He added that the situation was compounded by the presence of an operational school within the farm, making uncontrolled movement a potential safety concern for learners and staff.
According to Mavhaire, the access-control system was intended to identify people entering the property, monitor heavy vehicles, and ensure accountability for activities taking place on the farm.
He said these measures were not intended to prevent holders of legitimate mining rights from accessing their claims.
Mavhaire also maintained that possession of mining rights did not automatically turn privately owned land into public property, arguing that landowners retain responsibilities relating to security and the orderly use of their properties.
He said the way forward was to establish a structured arrangement that would allow lawful mining activities to continue while safeguarding farming operations, workers, schoolchildren, miners, and the rights of the landowner.
The dispute has highlighted the practical relationship between private land ownership and mining rights, particularly when mining operations depend on access roads on privately controlled property.
Mavhaire said he remains committed to a cooperative approach following the court ruling, aiming to ensure legitimate mining activities continue without compromising security and safety at Hillview Farm.
