By Lloyd Takawira
Following continuous menacing by illegal gold miners accross the country the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensifed its blitz on makorokoza’s
As of yesterday (Thursday) police had rounded up more than 100 illegal gold panners and vendors in separate raids at Good Hope Mine and Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, both epicentres of recent serious violence.
Of the 100 arrested, 28 were arrested at Good Hope Mine, while 72 were picked up at Jumbo Mine.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, speaking to the press said:
“Police have intensified operations against criminal activities at mining sites. In Mashonaland Central, 65 people were arrested for criminal trespass, while seven were arrested for prospecting for gold without a licence, 10 hammer mills, six generators, a compressor, a water pump, a box of explosives, alcohol and 47 dagga sachets were recovered.
“The 28 that were arrested at Good Hope Mine include 20 men and eight women and they were all arrested for prospecting for gold. About 90 percent of them are from Kadoma, while one is from Gokwe, three are from Harare, while one is from Murombedzi.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said they impounded a Hino truck (AFT 2634), Toyota Corolla (AET 9271) and a Honda Fit (AFB 6008) that were loaded with gold ore.
“Police will continue conducting raids in all areas where there is a gold rush until sanity prevails countrywide,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Quized to comment on the arrests of ” Team Bacca ” gang alleged to have killed a police officer and injured one at Good Hope Mine last Saturday, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said
“we have so far arrested three suspects, more recovered a possible murder weapon and the getaway car reportedly used by members of that gang that killed a police officer two weeks ago at Good Hope Mine in Battlefields.
A machete allegedly used during the assault and an unregistered Honda Fit used as a gateway car were recovered following the arrest of Lyton Panashe Tshuma (18), Obvious Mawire (21) and Munyaradzi Chari (43)”
Analysts who spoke to this publication said the security situation in the country is at risks hence there is need for swift action or the country will generate into lawlessness
