The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has raised serious allegations that some Zimbabwean journalists were offered money to undermine community testimony during a press conference addressing grave exhumations linked to lithium mining in Buhera, in a development that has reignited debate over media ethics, corporate influence and the treatment of rural communities in mining areas.
The allegations stem from a press briefing convened by CNRG at the Media Centre on 28 November, where affected community members gave emotional accounts of how their lives and cultural heritage were disrupted by the operations of Sabi Star, a lithium mining company operating in partnership with Max Mind Investments.
More than twenty journalists attended the event. However, only a small number of news organisations published stories thereafter, a silence that CNRG says is “deafening” and indicative of deeper problems in Zimbabwe’s media industry.
According to CNRG, the community testimonies — which were livestreamed by the Media Centre and Open Parly Zimbabwe — revealed distressing details of alleged grave desecrations, forced exhumations and psychological harm suffered by families in Buhera, yet these accounts failed to gain traction in mainstream media.
CNRG further alleges that while reporters were preparing to cover the event, some were approached by individuals offering them US$20 each to pose hostile, leading questions aimed at discrediting the organisation and undermining the credibility of the affected villagers.
The organisation said the allegations were corroborated by journalists who declined the offers and spoke on condition of anonymity. It remains unclear who made the alleged payments or who authorised them.
The NGO claims that the offer of money may explain the nature of questions posed by certain journalists during the briefing, which focused heavily on the identity of the four community witnesses rather than on the substance of their accounts of trauma and loss.
CNRG also alleges that shortly after the press briefing, Sabi Star launched what it describes as a “counter-offensive” by hurriedly organising a media tour to Buhera as part of a strategy to manage reputational damage and control the public narrative.
Dispute Over Exhumed Graves
The press conference followed a public clash between CNRG and Max Mind Investments, which had accused CNRG Executive Director Farai Maguwu of publishing a “false and malicious” post on X claiming that graves were excavated using heavy machinery to clear land for mining.
The company’s lawyers reportedly demanded that the post be removed within seven days, threatening legal action. The post remained online after the deadline, detailing how remains were allegedly excavated and reburied without dignity.
The post stated that graves had been “laid to rest with love and care” but were later exhumed using excavators, and alleged that more than 10,000 graves have been disturbed nationally as a result of mining and infrastructure projects.
Rather than pursuing litigation, sources cited by CNRG claim that Sabi Star spokesperson Emmerson Njanjamangezi privately approached CNRG seeking dialogue. A meeting scheduled for 6 November at Sabi Star’s Harare offices did not proceed.
On 10 November, the company issued another public statement insisting that all exhumations were carried out legally and respectfully, with the involvement of families, traditional leaders and district authorities.
The company stated that 22 graves were relocated: five in 2022 and 17 in 2023. It also claimed that each affected family received compensation and that all reburial and funeral costs were fully covered.
Community Accounts Contradict Official Claims
Community members who spoke at the press conference disputed the company’s version of events. They said they were not fully consulted before the exhumations and described the reburial process as rushed, undignified and culturally insensitive.
They stated that the compensation provided amounted to a standard US$1,500 reburial package, which they said did not reflect the emotional and psychological impact of disturbing ancestral graves.
One elderly mother reportedly told the briefing that she developed a heart condition after witnessing the exhumation of her son’s remains. Other residents described symptoms of shock, trauma and psychological distress after the graves were disturbed.
CNRG said that no counselling or psychosocial support was offered to families before or after the exhumations.
Broader Concerns Over Media Independence
Beyond the mining-related allegations, CNRG warned that the claims of bribery, if proven, represent a serious threat to media ethics and public accountability in Zimbabwe.
The organisation said the apparent failure of sections of the media to report on community suffering raises concerns that powerful corporate interests may be influencing editorial decisions.
CNRG argues that when the media fails to speak for vulnerable communities, public scrutiny is weakened and corporate power expands unchecked.
Company Response
As of publication, Sabi Star and Max Mind Investments had not publicly responded to the detailed allegations raised by CNRG beyond their earlier statements defending their actions.
TENDAI RUBEN MBOFANA - THE UN-OPPRESSED MIND! 