Artisanal miner faces 10 years in jail for mining under railway tracks

Bongani Ndlovu,Online Reporter

An artisanal miner was arrested after being caught mining for gold under a railway line and could face up to 10 years in prison.

In a statement, National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the miner was found by the loss control arm of their organisation on Sunday.

“An artisanal gold miner was arrested by NRZ loss control personnel on Sunday while digging for gold under the railway tracks in Mvuma. As can be seen from the picture, the miner caused extensive damage to the ground under the tracks,” read the statement.

The NRZ urged people not to engage in mining activities within the railway reserve, which is land 45 metres on either side of the tracks.

“It is an offence under the Railways Act to prospect for minerals within the railway reserve and is punishable by up to 10 years in jail,” read the statement.