By Political Reporter- A group of Zanu PF youths in Goromonzi North fired gunshots on Wednesday during a violent clash over control of a newly discovered gold belt at Lonely Park Farm.

The chaos erupted when party youths, led by Zanu PF leaders from Vhuta Ward 13, accused Pardon Chibamu, the provincial youth league secretary for education, of usurping the gold claim for personal benefit. 

Chibamu allegedly leveraged his political clout to negotiate with the farm owner, Antony Retzlarf, sidelining the local community that initially identified the resource-rich area.

The confrontation turned violent as angry youths sang war songs, brandished placards, and attacked Chibamu, damaging his Toyota Fortuner.

Witnesses reported that gunshots were fired during the melee, and four villagers were arrested.

The escalating tensions prompted the disgruntled group to pen a letter of complaint to Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Daniel Garwe, accusing Chibamu of abusing his party position.

Local leaders, including Ward 13 councillor Peter Million, co-signed the letter, which reads:

“The Vhuta community discovered a gold belt at Lonely Park Farm. When it got to the ears of Pardon Chibamu, he misled Mr. Retzlarf and used his party muscle to take over the site.”

Ceylon Gotora, the villagers’ secretary, confirmed the gunfire incident and arrests, saying:

“We wrote to the province, but no response has come. The community is frustrated, and the situation remains tense.”

Chibamu, however, dismissed the allegations, claiming he holds the legal rights to the mine.

“I am the legitimate owner with all required documents. These accusations are baseless and tarnish the name of Zanu PF. Those who protested are not party members. Mining is a lawful process, and I am operating within the law,” he said.

The incident highlights Zanu PF’s growing reputation for internal corruption and resource grabs, with senior party members exploiting mineral wealth at the expense of local communities.