85 arrested for illegal mining in Chegutu

Zim Now Writer

Police on Sunday arrested 85 people for illegal mining at Evington Mine, Chegutu in Mashonaland West Province.

The police confirmed the arrest on their X wall:

“On 10/09/23, Police arrested 85 people at Evington Mine, Chegutu on operation ‘Chikorokoza Ngachipere, Isitsheketsha Kasiphele and No to machete-wielding gangs’.”

“Some of the suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of suspected gold ore and failure to wear protective equipment,” added the police.

Through the investigation process the ZRP managed to recover of bags of gold ore and some explosives.

“The arrest led to the recovery of 135 bags of suspected gold ore weighing approximately 5 tonnes, 100 EMEX detonators, 51 EMOPEC detonators, 87 fuses and a 500 metre ignite code,” the statement further said.

Thousands of unemployed Zimbabweans have turned to gold panning and artisanal mining in a bid to survive but their operations have left a trail of destruction.

Deep tunnels have been dug underneath roads, railways and buildings, posing a serious threat to the infrastructure as well as human life.

Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe was forced to close at some point after a classroom at the school gave in to a tunnel that had been dug underneath.

Meanwhile, police in Binga are investigating a case of murder in which the body of 14-year-old Alumbweleza Munkombwe, was found with a deep cut on the back in the bush near Mabobolo Secondary School on Saturday.

“The victim was last seen coming from school on 07/09/23 at about 1530 hours,” wrote police on their X wall.

A 27-year-old man, Remember Dube, has since been arrested in connection with the case, police said.