17 arrested in lithium ore smuggling raid

Zim Now Writer

Police in Masvingo have arrested 17people and recovered about 3 700 metric tonnes of lithium ore believed to have been destined for smuggling to South Africa and Mozambique.

ZRP Operations Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume led the team that arrested the suspects following a tip-off from the public.

The lithium is believed to have come from Bikita Minerals and surrounding areas.

Officer Commanding Masvingo Commisioner David Mahoya commented on the increased cases of smuggling when he toured three warehouses in the industrial area where the lithium ore was stashed.

There were several haulage trucks loaded with the lithium ore parked on the warehouse premises.

There were also heaps of lithium ore on the ground with paint markings indicating grades and dates.