Civil society organisations have condemned the alleged intimidation of the Buhera Residents Network Trust (BRNT) after it presented evidence to Parliament on environmental, labour and community impacts linked to Sabi Star Mine, calling for an independent investigation and protection for citizens who testify before parliamentary committees.
In a joint statement, the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Zimbabwe Diamond Workers Union (ZIDWU), Centre for Peace Research and Development in Africa (CPRDA), and Zivai Community Empowerment Trust (ZICET) said the reported threats undermine Parliament’s constitutional oversight role and discourage citizens from participating in democratic processes.
The organisations said BRNT appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife on July 6, where it presented evidence on what it described as the environmental, social and labour impacts associated with Sabi Star Mine, operated by Maxi Mind Investments.
According to the statement, BRNT raised concerns over alleged environmental degradation, contamination of water sources, excessive water abstraction, unsafe working conditions, dust pollution and the displacement of local communities.
The organisations further alleged that after the parliamentary hearing, “a senior government official publicly issued a threatening statement directed at the organisation and its representative.”
“Such conduct is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy and undermines the authority of Parliament as an institution established to receive evidence from citizens without fear or favour,” the statement said.
The organisations argued that the concerns raised before Parliament were matters of public interest that warrant independent investigation rather than intimidation.
“These are matters of profound public interest. They are not personal grievances. They raise questions concerning compliance with Zimbabwe’s environmental, labour and mining laws and therefore warrant thorough and impartial investigation by Parliament and the relevant oversight institutions.”
The coalition said intimidating citizens for presenting evidence before parliamentary committees undermines Zimbabwe’s constitutional order.
It cited Section 119 of the Constitution, which mandates Parliament to protect the Constitution, promote democratic governance and ensure public institutions act in the national interest.
The statement also referenced Sections 62, 67 and 73 of the Constitution, arguing that Zimbabweans have the right to participate in governance, access information necessary for public accountability and live in an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being.
The organisations further noted that the Parliamentary Privileges, Immunities and Powers Act protects parliamentary proceedings from interference or intimidation, warning that reprisals against witnesses could discourage communities from reporting environmental abuses and governance failures.
“Public confidence in parliamentary oversight depends upon citizens knowing that they can approach parliamentary committees without fear of reprisals. When community representatives are threatened for fulfilling their civic duty, the chilling effect extends beyond one organisation—it discourages other communities from reporting environmental abuses, labour rights violations and governance failures.”
The four organisations called on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife to proceed with a comprehensive investigation into the allegations raised by BRNT, including conducting site inspections, gathering evidence and holding public hearings where necessary.
They also urged the Speaker of Parliament to ensure witnesses appearing before parliamentary committees are protected from intimidation or retaliation.
The joint statement follows a social media post by a post on X account @Jamwanda2, an account widely believed to be associated with Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, which criticised the Buhera Residents Network Trust following its appearance before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
“The so-called Buhera Residents Association must be very careful. The British warn against being penny-wise and pound foolish!!! Clever residents carve a niche for themselves in the mining economy in their area; they do not wreck a good thing for a dime. I happen to be from Buhera. A resident. Listening to the mouthpiece of the so-called Buhera Resident Association, coherence cleary lacks!!!!!!”
The coalition called on public officials to address concerns raised before Parliament through lawful investigations rather than threats.
“Communities living alongside mining operations are not enemies of development. They are constitutional rights holders entitled to safe environments, meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives, and access to effective remedies where harm has occurred.”
“Silencing communities does not resolve environmental grievances. Independent investigations, transparency and accountability do.”
