Antony Chawagarira
Mazowe-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a major crackdown on criminal activities and illegal mining operations in Mazowe mining areas, resulting in the arrest of 79 suspects linked to offences including murder, robbery, rape, stock theft and vandalism of key infrastructure.
The sweeping operation targeted illegal mining hotspots such as Storeys, Jumbo Mine and surrounding areas in Mazowe, where police say criminal syndicates and environmental destruction have become rampant.Authorities said the operation also focused on curbing land degradation and the destruction of critical infrastructure caused by uncontrolled alluvial mining activities.
Among those arrested were four suspects accused of damaging railway infrastructure, while several foreign nationals and Zimbabweans were apprehended for allegedly engaging in illegal alluvial mining activities in the Storeys area.Police investigations revealed that the illegal mining activities had severely affected water systems, agricultural land and road networks in the area.
During the operation, police recovered a large quantity of mining and industrial equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining activities. The recovered property includes 30 excavators, 10 generators, three submersible pumps, seven hammer mills, six winders and 20 water tanks.The Zimbanwe Republic Police also dismantled several illegal shebeens operating within the mining settlements and confiscated several kilograms of meat, alcoholic beverages, illicit brews and groceries suspected to have been sold illegally.
Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation was aimed at restoring law and order in mining communities that have increasingly become centres of violent crime and environmental destruction.“Police will continue conducting operations targeting criminal elements involved in illegal mining, robbery, murder, rape, stock theft and the destruction of national infrastructure. We are concerned about the increase in criminal activities in mining areas and the negative impact of illegal mining on the environment, agriculture and public infrastructure,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He warned that those engaging in illegal mining and harbouring criminals in mining compounds would face the full wrath of the law.“We urge members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities and illegal mining operations in their communities. No one is above the law,” he said.
The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining activities, protect the environment and restore safety in mining communities across the country.
