Two Men Arrested After US$207,000 Lithium Ore Theft In Ruwa

Two men have appeared in court after allegedly stealing 69 tonnes of lithium ore worth US$207,000 (approximately R3.4 million) from a property in Ruwa. The arrests follow investigations into missing mineral stockpiles that had previously been recovered by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

Robert Baiwa (38) and Nigel Tanaka Fransisco appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, facing theft charges.

The State alleges that the pair arranged the removal and sale of the lithium ore to buyers at two separate processing facilities. Investigations into the alleged theft are continuing.

How The 69 Tonnes Of Lithium Ore Were Allegedly Sold

The Herald reports that the alleged theft involved two separate consignments transported to processing facilities in Domboshava and Goromonzi.

The State alleges that Baiwa and his brother, Tirivanhu, had entered into a lease agreement with a Chinese national to occupy the six-hectare property at US$2,000 (approximately R33,541) per month.

Fransisco allegedly identified a Chinese buyer known as Collins, who worked with Esmary Chizengeni, also known as Mai Tadiwa.

On 22 September, Collins allegedly sent Chizengeni to inspect the lithium ore. The parties reportedly agreed on a purchase price of US$100 (approximately R1,677) per tonne.

The first consignment involved 32 tonnes, which were allegedly transported to Triple A Quarry plant in Domboshava on 25 September. An US$800 (approximately R13,417) deposit was reportedly paid, with the outstanding balance settled two days later.

On 21 October, another 37 tonnes were allegedly sold and transported to Atlanta Lithium plant in Goromonzi.

ZACC Discovers Missing Lithium Ore In Ruwa

The alleged theft came to light on 9 November when ZACC investigators conducted a routine inspection of the stockpile and discovered that 69 tonnes were missing.

The mineral had formed part of 300 tonnes recovered by the anti-corruption body during an operation at the property on 9 September.

During that operation, investigators seized equipment including a jaw crusher plant, a front-end loader, TLB machines, a heavy-duty generator and 20 wheelbarrows.

Baiwa and Fransisco were arrested at approximately 9pm on 9 November.

The two men face theft charges, while investigations are continuing. Authorities are also attempting to locate and recover the missing lithium ore.

The alleged theft involves mineral valued at US$207,000 (approximately R3.47 million), based on the 12 November 2026 exchange rate of R16.7707 to the US dollar.