Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
90 illegal gold miners have been arrested along Mutare River, as government seeks to scale down environmental degradation and contamination of the water source.
The increase in illegal gold mining at Premier along Mutare River in Penhalonga, is posing a health hazard in Mutare, prompting the police to embark on an operation to flash out the illegal miners.
The operation also comes after the public raised concern over the impact of illegal mining activities on the environment.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police conducted an operation to flash out illegal gold panners along Mutare River from the 9th of July 2024. So far, 90 suspects have been arrested for illegal mining activities and other criminal activities. The arrest led to the recovery of various mining equipment that include wheelbarrows, shovels, hammers, water pumps and submersible pumps among other equipment. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is warning members of the public against land degradation and criminal acts where people conducts crimes such as robbery, theft and other illegal acts. The public should engage in lawful activities and avoid situations where they cry foul after being arrested. All citizens are expected to be law abiding,” said ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Meanwhile, 32 cattle that were stolen from Chipinge, have been recovered in Mozambique after a joint operation between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and thier Mozambican counterparts.
“The ZRP confirms the recovery of cattle from Mozambique after a joint operation between the police from the two countries. All the stolen cattle were recovered from Mamutse area in Mozambique after being taken from Zamuchiya area in Chipinge. The owner of the cattle has been identified from Mufukwa Village, Chipinge and the paper work is being conducted to return his cattle,” explained Commissioner Nyathi.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique have been conducting a number of joint operations along the border to reduce cattle rustling.
