Bindura— Freda Rebecca Gold Mine is facing accusations of resorting to coercive, extra-legal tactics at Botha Gold Mine after failing to secure relief through the courts, with witnesses alleging the company deployed police officers to fence off mining areas and arrest seven officials who questioned the operation.

According to multiple sources at the site, representatives of Freda Rebecca arrived at Botha Gold Mine accompanied by police and proceeded to erect fencing around sections of the mining area, restricting access and disrupting operations. When Botha’s head of security and other officials demanded to know under what authority the fencing was being carried out, they were taken into custody.

The development follows Freda Rebecca’s failure to sustain an urgent court application seeking interdictory and declaratory relief against Side Electrical (Pvt) Ltd, which trades as Botha Gold Mine. The application was struck off the roll.

Critics describe the move as an attempted takeover by intimidation, using state security apparatus to achieve what could not be achieved through legal argument or judicial sanction.

“When a well-resourced corporate entity loses in court and then pivots to force-based tactics, it signals contempt for the justice system,” said one mining governance expert who requested anonymity. “It sends the message that power, not legality, determines outcomes.”

Legal practitioners have raised concern over the involvement of police in what remains a civil and commercial dispute.

“Police are not instruments for advancing private commercial interests,” one lawyer noted. “Their deployment in this manner risks eroding public confidence in state institutions.”

Botha Gold Mine management maintains it remains a lawfully operating entity, duly registered and compliant with regulatory requirements. In a statement to staff and contractors, management described the fencing operation as “barbaric, strong-arm tactics reminiscent of corporate vigilantism.”

Workers and contractors at the mine have been left in a state of uncertainty, with many depending on uninterrupted access to the site for their livelihoods.

Industry observers warn that if such conduct is left unchecked, Zimbabwe’s investment climate—particularly for indigenous and emerging mining enterprises—could suffer lasting damage.

Calls are mounting for oversight authorities to investigate the basis upon which police involvement was secured and arrests effected.

Freda Rebecca had not issued a formal statement responding to the allegations by time of publication.