Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Online Reporter
GOLD panning activities continue to wreak havoc in Bulawayo’s water catchment area of Umzingwane with municipal rangers arresting 36 suspected gold panners between January and June.
In the same period, 49 hand tools such as axes, picks, shovels and detector devices were confiscated and handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as exhibits.
“As the norm, joint patrols were conducted and Esigodini ZRP and 36 illegal gold panners were arrested. Hand tools were handed over to ZRP as exhibits and a total of 74 surveillance patrols were conducted during the period under review,” said council in its latest minutes.
Meanwhile, six trucks were impounded in June for alleged illegal soil extraction activities. 59 tickets valued at US$2 000 were issued and paid for various offences.
“37 tickets with a sum of US$1 568 are still outstanding. In addition 17 scotch carts were impounded in various suburbs and peri-urban areas,” said council.
derick.khumalo