Online ReporterPeter Matika, [email protected]
Gang wars associated with illegal gold mining activities have erupted in Bulawayo’s New Parklands suburb, causing panic among residents and raising significant concerns regarding the safety of nearby communities, students, and staff at adjacent institutions.
These turf wars, driven by territorial disputes among illegal miners, have transformed parts of the city, including Killarney and New Parklands, into virtual battlegrounds.
Residents are particularly alarmed by reports of violent robberies reportedly carried out by members of these gangs across several suburbs.
Bulawayo police have confirmed the arrest of eight suspects, aged between 18 and 46, linked to more than 20 robberies reported between December last year and this month.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, identified Kurauone Nkomo, known as “Samishy,” a 46-year-old second-hand mobile phone dealer from Makokoba, as the alleged ringleader of these criminal activities.
“The robberies occurred between December 2024 and May 2025 in areas such as Sauerstown, Queens Park, Khumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside. Investigations are ongoing, and more cases are likely to be solved,” she said.
Inspector Msebele added that the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
She also confirmed a recent machete attack on a couple, which resulted in the death of a man upon arrival at Mpilo Central Hospital, while his wife remains hospitalised.
“These incidents indicate a growing trend of machete violence in urban areas, which has traditionally been associated with rural mining communities,” said Insp Msebele.
The outbreak of violence has prompted strong condemnation from community leaders. Dr Bishop Rocky Moyo, president of the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA), denounced the unrest and called for immediate Government intervention.
“Bulawayo is not a war zone. This lawlessness threatens domestic tourism and undermines our peaceful way of life.
Residents must cooperate with law enforcement to root out these criminals. It is inhumane for people to be attacked with such brutality,” he said.
Institutions located near the affected areas, such as the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) and the National
University of Science and Technology (Nust), have expressed grave concern over the safety of their communities.
ZSM recently issued an urgent warning to its staff and students following a rise in robberies and assaults in and around New Parklands.
Nust has also appealed for police support after illegal miners began encroaching on its main campus in Killarney.
The university has experienced significant land degradation and security breaches, with illegal miners digging mining pits on university grounds.
Inspector Msebele acknowledged the challenges in removing illegal miners, many of whom operate under the cover of darkness.
She stated that the police are working closely with affected institutions and communities. Last year, six men were arrested for illegal mining on the Nust campus.
They were sentenced to six months in prison following a raid by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), which included members of the canine unit.
Residents and community leaders continue to call for a co-ordinated and sustained response to restore safety in Bulawayo’s suburbs, warning that unchecked illegal mining could escalate violence and damage the city’s long-standing reputation for peace and order.
