The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
NYAMUPFUNGUDZA village head, under Chief Chitsungo of Pfungwe area, has been arraigned before Murehwa Magistrates’ court facing theft of 30 tonnes of lithium ore.
The value of the lithium ore is estimated at US$15 000.
John Nyamupfungidza (47) appeared before magistrate, Mr Edwin Marecha, on December 13 and was remanded in custody to December 21 2022.
Prosecutor, Mr Steven Malota told the court that between November 17 and 27 this year, the accused unlawfully took approximately 30 tonnes of lithium ore belonging to God’s Gift Mining Syndicate, in Nyamupfungudza Village.
The complainant is Rhoden Munyoro.
Mr Malota said Nyamupfungidza took advantage of the complainant’s absence, and invited locals who came in large numbers and started extracting lithium ore using picks, hoes, shovels and metal rods.
The court heard that the locals would heap the ores near the road, and buyers from as far as Harare would then buy the lithium ore at an average US$80 per tonne, and share the proceeds with Nyamupfungidza.
The ores would then be loaded into trucks and ferried to Harare.
On November 27, 2022 police received a tip off, and managed to intercept three 15 tonne Scania trucks (registration numbers – AEZ 6203, AFQ 5664 and ADZ 2227) loaded with lithium ore, leading to Nyamupfungidza’s arrest.
The recovered lithium ore has a street value of US$15 000, and is being kept as an exhibit.
