Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE have reiterated that the Explosives Act prohibits possession, purchase and the acquisition of explosives without a permit.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the CID spokesperson, said this following the arrest of four suspects.
The four were arrested in Gwanda, Mberengwa, Filabusi and Kwekwe.“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public safety and national security through ongoing operations targeting the unlawful possession of explosives and a nationwide blitz conducted recently has resulted in the arrest of several suspects,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
“On April 26, 2026, Innocent Phili, 43, of Geneva in Gwanda, was arrested at his residence after being found in possession of 200 capped fuses and 49 Innopex explogels concealed in his bedroom.
“In a related incident, Paddington Mbango, 30, of Mbiko Village under Chief Chingoma in Mberengwa, was arrested for possessing three emulites and three capped fuses without a permit.
“Similarly, Reuben Mpofu, 49, of Village 16, under Chief Madhuna in Filabusi, was also arrested on the same day for unlawful possession of emulites. Carlton Chando, 29, of Mbizo, Kwekwe, was arrested after being found in possession of 11 capped fuses, 91 Emex cartridges, and an additional box containing 110 cartridges at a premises in Kwekwe.
“All the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.”Police have also confirmed the arrest of Dingani Ncube, 42, of Gadla Village under Chief Masuku, Matopo for possession of explosives without a permit.
Detectives from CID MFFU visited Malungwane D3 Mine, Esigodini where they discovered 33 Emex cartridge explosives, one roll of detonating lighting cord and six caped fuses which were in a cabin. In another case, detectives arrested Honest Gumbo, 43, of Turtel 53 Mine, Silobela, and recovered some explosives in a sealed box of fractures.Police also raided Donkerhoek Farm, Featherstone, Chikomba district, where illegal mining was reported.
They intercepted Tinashe Nhete, 51, of Belgravia, Harare, who had dug a pit of an approximate width of about 1,5 metres and approximate depth of three metres. He was asked to produce mining documents, which allowed him to do mining, but he could not produce any document.
This led to his arrest and the recovery of mining equipment which included a mining detector, an Astra Korea generator, a chisel drill, four explosive fuses, a six-pound hammer, a short-handled pick, a shovel, a hand-held chisel and a tool box.
