Russell Goreraza son of Zimbabwe’s former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been remanded at the Concession Magistrates Courts on charges of pilfering gold processing equipment worth US$130,000 at the Tian Bao Mineral Industry in Mazowe.
Thirty-seven-year-old Goreraza appeared before magistrate Moreblessing Makati together with his accomplices, Paul Sithole (45), Aaron Muchenje (31) and Trymore Madzitire (36).
Prince Danda, the managing director of Tian Bao Mineral Industry (Pvt) Limited explained that on April 10 2021 at around 7am at Tian Bao Mineral Industry (Pvt) Ltd Smithfield Farm, Mazowe Farm owned by the late former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace Mugabe, Sithole, Muchenje and Madzitire dismantled a processing plant under the instructions of Goreraza.
The trio then loaded a gold smelter, ball mill, electric motor, approximately 200 ball mill metal balls, 50 ball mill liners, 20 slay pumps and 15 angle iron bars into a truck using a crane.
The three ran out of luck when the Mazowe police intercepted them. Upon questioning, the three men pointed fingers Goreraza. Following this information, the police apprehended the former first lady’s son and charged him together with Muchenje, Madzitire and Sithole.
The National Prosecuting Authority say the “stolen” equipment was valued at US$130,000.
Over the years, Russell has been involved in a number of controversies. He has been accused of mine-grabbing and seizing properties.
He was alleged to have invaded the disputed Tolrose Mine in Kadoma which was under the control of businessman Jameson Rushwaya. He is also accused of hiring thugs to disrupt a workers’ meeting and assault the National Mine Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe (NMUZ) representatives.