By Staff Reporter
Zanu PF Shadow Member of Parliament (MP) for Gwanda North, Lungisani Costa Twominutes Ncube, has dismissed claims that he was part of a group that invaded Vubachikwe Mine in Matabeleland South and stole gold ore.
Online reports alleged that Ncube was involved in the scandal where the suspects forcible extracted gold ore while ntimidating law enforcement officials.
Reverend Fred Kamanga,from the Church of Afica Presbyterian (CAP), a respected community leader and Provincial Chairman for Matabeleland South of the Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe (PCIZ), also said Ncube was not involved in the mine drama.
According to Kamanga, Ncube’s activities in Vubachikwe during the period in question were purely humanitarian.
Kamanga said:
“On January 6, 2025, Ncube allegedly received an urgent call from a Vubachikwe Mine resident reporting the tragic death of a 1-year-10-month-old child.
“As is customary in the Vubachikwe community, residents sought assistance from Ncube, who has consistently supported his constconstituency.
“Accompanied by Reverend Kamanga and his team, Ncube promptly traveled to Vubachikwe Mine to meet with the bereaved family and offer assistance.
“Upon arrival, he met with family members and mourners to understand their needs during this difficult time
“A coffin to bury the deceased child. Groceries to support the mourners. Transport to carry mourners to their rural home in Dambashoko for the burial.
“Ncube pledged full support, immediately taking steps to fulfill these requests. His team arranged groceries, contacted a driver in Bulawayo to deliver a coffin, and mobilized vehicles to transport the mourners.
“Later that evening, Ncube and his team delivered the groceries to both Vubachikwe Mine and Dambashoko, ensuring the family’s needs were met without delay.
“Around 9:00 p.m., Reverend Kamanga, accompanied by the driver, returned to Vubachikwe Mine to drop off family representatives who had assisted in coordinating the arrangements.
“he following day, January 7, 2025, Honorable Ncube provided two vehicles to ferry mourners from Vubachikwe Mine to Dambashoko for the burial. After the service, he ensured the safe transportation of all mourners back to Vubachikwe, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to his community.
“Reverend Fred Kamanga, who was present during these events, commended Honorable Ncube’s compassion and dedication.
“Honorable Ncube has always been a pillar of support for the people of Gwanda North. His actions during this funeral demonstrate his deep commitment to the well-being of his constituents.”
Reverend Kamanga emphasized that at no point did Honorable Ncube or his team engage in any activities related to the operations of Vubachikwe Mine.
He said: “Instead, his visit was solely to provide humanitarian support to a grieving family.
“Contrary to the baseless allegations, Honorable Lungisani Twominutes Ncube has a proven track record of uplifting the Gwanda North community. His contributions include:
“Borehole Drilling and Irrigation Support: Providing clean water and irrigation equipment to promote agricultural productivity.
“Education Support: Assisting schools with resources to improve educational outcomes.
“Economic Empowerment: Donating hammer mills to local communities to support small-scale entrepreneurs.
“nfrastructure Development: Hiring earth-moving equipment for dam scooping projects in drought-prone areas.
“These initiatives, inspired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for community empowerment, have significantly improved the quality of life in Gwanda North.
“The allegations against Honorable Ncube, including reports of illegal gold extraction and police intimidation, are categorically false.”
“Ncube remains steadfast in his mission to uplift the Gwanda North community. His actions during the funeral in Vubachikwe Mine are a testament to his character as a compassionate and dedicated leader. As the Shadow MP for Gwanda North, he continues to work tirelessly to address the needs of his constituents and promote sustainable development.
“It is imperative that we, as a society, focus on truth and unity, celebrating the positive contributions of leaders like Honorable Ncube.”