Temba Mliswa Arrested, Blames Top Officials for Shielding Illegal Mining Cartel

Temba Mliswa Arrested, Blames Top Officials for Shielding Illegal Mining Cartel

Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa was briefly arrested on Sunday, 15 June 2025, by a team of 12 armed Law and Order officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Chinhoyi. He was later released the same day.

Temba Mliswa Arrested

Speaking out on X after the incident, Mliswa claimed the arrest was not a coincidence. He pointed the finger at the Officer Commanding Mashonaland West, Commissioner Tawonei Nyazema, accusing him of abusing his position to silence critics and cover his tracks.

According to Mliswa, his arrest was triggered by allegations he made against Nyazema and Mashonaland West Minister of State Marian Chombo. He accused the two of protecting a criminal syndicate involving Chinese-linked illegal mining operations in the Sanyati area.

Mliswa said that through his company, Cubs Den Consolidated, he has been working to protect the Rengwe Conservancy and restore the local ecosystem. He claimed the illegal mining activities were not only destroying the environment but also chasing away wildlife, severely affecting the area’s tourism potential.

$150K Bribe Allegation and Abuse of Power

He said Cubs Den even obtained an official permit from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to carry out river rehabilitation work. However, their conservation efforts have reportedly clashed with what he called “secret dealings” involving senior government officials.

In a serious accusation, Mliswa alleged that Nyazema and Chombo accepted a US$150,000 bribe to turn a blind eye to the environmental destruction. He described his arrest as a clear abuse of power, motivated by personal revenge rather than the rule of law.

Also read: Temba Mliswa Blames Wicknell Chivayo for US$75K Armed Robbery at In-Laws’ Marondera Farm

ZRP Boss Steps In

Despite the tense situation, Mliswa said he was released the same day after ZRP Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba stepped in. He praised Mutamba’s intervention and said the Commissioner General had promised to investigate the matter fully and ensure professionalism within the police force.

“The Commissioner General has committed to investigating this matter thoroughly while reaffirming the professional ethos of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the discharge of its duty in a professional manner,” he wrote.

UPDATE! I have been released following the decisive intervention of the ZRP Commissioner General, who explained that the organization does not operate in the burgeoning manner instigated by Mash West Officer Commanding, Commissioner Nyazema who clearly has a criminal vendetta. https://t.co/P3A1jnGqo3

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) June 15, 2025