ZHRC Masvingo Provincial Coordinator, Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa (centre), Bikita Minerals management, and other stakeholders at the signing of the deal

By Trymore Tagwirei

Nine families who lived for over twenty years in Bikita Minerals’ mining claim in Murape Village, Ward 11, are set to receive financial assistance and construction materials to build new homes following a mediation agreement facilitated by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).

Under the settlement agreement, the nine households agreed to vacate their homes in exchange for financial support and essential construction materials to enable them to rebuild elsewhere.

Signed on August 25, 2026, the agreement ends a long-running dispute between the families and Bikita Minerals over their continued occupation of an area that the mine proved was part of its mining claim.

The families will relocate according to a mutually agreed schedule, with Chief Marozva providing traditional oversight throughout the process.

The dispute arose in 2022 when Bikita Minerals began expanding its mining operations into an area where the families had settled since the turn of the century.

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In its reports, the ZHRC noted that the families’ continued occupation had become incompatible with the expansion of mining operations and the need to maintain safe working conditions. The commission subsequently recommended that Bikita Minerals assist the affected families with relocation.

The mediation was facilitated through the ZHRC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, which provides a platform for parties to address grievances and work toward mutually acceptable solutions.

“On the constitutional basis for our involvement, ZHRC acts to investigate suspected human rights violations and secure appropriate redress. The process gave parties an opportunity to engage constructively, address grievances, and work towards mutually acceptable solutions,” said the commission.

Bikita Minerals stated that the agreement was entered into freely and voluntarily by all parties following discussions facilitated by the ZHRC. The mining company added that the settlement demonstrates the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes between communities and mining operations.

“We are grateful to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for facilitating this process, to Chief Marozva for his leadership and guidance, and to the affected Murape families for their willingness to engage constructively. We believe this agreement provides a positive foundation for continued cooperation and demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders work together in good faith,” the company said in a statement.