Two high-ranking mining authorities have been apprehended by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on charges of purportedly soliciting money from a prospective miner.

According to a statement released by ZACC, Junior Mudyawabikwa, the deputy provincial mining director for Mashonaland West, and Robson Farayi Chinanayi, a former surveyor affiliated with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, have been detained.

Allegedly, the duo demanded and received a sum of USD 5,000 from an individual seeking a mining certificate, purportedly to expedite the issuance process.

This arrest, as per ZACC’s statement, is a component of its ongoing campaign to combat corruption within the mining industry, a critical revenue stream for the nation of Zimbabwe.

Mudyawabikwa and Chinanayi are scheduled to appear before the Chinhoyi Magistrate court today, where they will face charges related to abuse of office and extortion.