HARARE, Feb 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 2,500 illegal miners have been arrested in Zimbabwe in an effort to thwart illegal mining and violence in the country.
At least 206 more illegal miners were arrested over the weekend, bringing to 2,529 the number nabbed countrywide under the ongoing “Operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere/No to Machete Gangs”.
Most of the new arrests were made in Odzi, Jumbo Mine and Shamva.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi told state-run The Herald that the arrests will continue until normalcy returns.
“The cumulative number of people who have been arrested in the ongoing operation against illegal mining activities and machete gangs has risen to 2,529,” he said.
The operation, launched early last month, was prompted by increased illegal mining activities and machete gang violence around the country.
Since Jan 1, a total of 1,621 illegal gold miners have been arrested in Mazowe and Shamva areas, the epicenter of illegal mining activity.
Zimbabwe is battling to bring sanity in the artisanal mining sector, which contributes significantly to gold production every year
The operation was launched early last month to thwart violence and illegal mining activities.
He said in Odzi police arrested illegal miners who had invaded a farm and caused serious land degradation.
“We will continue moving in swiftly to all parts of the country where there are machete gangs, illegal miners, selling and dealing in drugs, among other nefarious activities.
Police impounded three vehicles carrying gold ore and recovered compressors and generators in the Kitsiyatota, Garati and Makusha mining areas.
Prostitution and drug abuse within mining areas were also on the increase, prompting police to move in and restore law and order. — NNN-AGENCIES