Zaka Council Bosses Arrested After Digging For Gold At Government Compound

• Court Appearance: Zaka Rural District Council Chairperson Fungai Maregedze and District Development Coordinator Gift Machukele appeared in Masvingo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday facing charges of malicious damage to property.

• Treasure Hunt Allegations: The state alleges the pair mobilized laborers to dig tunnels at the Jerera government compound in 2024, searching for rumored “colonial-era gold.”

• Infrastructure Damage: Prosecutors estimate the illegal excavations caused over US$40,000 in damages to building foundations and drainage systems.

• Bail Conditions: Both officials were granted US$100 bail each and remanded out of custody to 17 December 2025.

The “Gold Rush” at Jerera

The case centers on a bizarre incident from late 2024, where two of Zaka’s most senior officials allegedly turned a government compound into an illegal mining site. Prosecutors told the court that Maregedze and Machukele acted on rumors of colonial-era gold caches buried beneath the old Jerera Growth Point. Without authorization from the Ministry of Mines or the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company, they allegedly instructed council employees to dig deep trenches and tunnels, violating the Mines and Minerals Act.

Investigation and Defence

A subsequent investigation by the CID Minerals Unit revealed extensive damage to the property, with foundations of government buildings reportedly compromised by the digging. While the prosecution has lined up 12 witnesses—including laborers who say they were acting on direct orders—the defense has dismissed the “treasure hunt” narrative. Defense counsel argues that the earthworks were merely part of routine council infrastructure upgrades and denies any motive related to gold seeking.

Timeline of Events

• Late 2024: Reports emerge of deep trenches and unauthorized excavations at the Jerera government compound.

• Oct–Nov 2025: CID Minerals Unit completes a forensic investigation, estimating damages at US$40,000.

• 3 Dec 2025: Maregedze and Machukele appear in court on charges of malicious damage to property.

• 17 Dec 2025: The two officials are scheduled to return to court for routine remand.

Key Players

• Fungai Maregedze: Zaka RDC Chairperson accused of authorizing the dig.

• Gift Machukele: District Development Coordinator (DDC) charged alongside Maregedze.

• CID Minerals Unit: Police division that investigated the site damage.

• Masvingo Magistrates’ Court: The court presiding over the case.