adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
CHIEFS in Matabeleland South want police to increase their presence in mining areas to help curb crime.
The traditional leaders said most robberies, thefts, assaults and other such crimes were taking place in mining areas.
Chief Hobodo, whose area of jurisdiction covers some mining areas in Mangwe district, said there was a need for police bases to be opened near mining areas.
He said locals were being violently displaced from their mines and illegal mining operations were rife.
The chief said there were also several criminal activities in the mining areas such as robberies and thefts. Chief Hobodo said it was difficult to report criminal activities on time as the police stations were far away.
“Mining areas are within our communities and as such we expect order there. This is, however, not happening because of the numerous criminal activities. There are a lot of illegal miners who are operating in these areas.
“Some of these people are not locals and are responsible for most crimes in our areas,” he said.
Chief Hobodo said there was a lot of fighting among illegal panners over mining claims which they were exploiting illegally.
He said registered villagers were losing their claims to the illegal miners.Chief Hobodo said the mining areas have become unsafe places for villagers yet they were meant to be sources of livelihoods.
Chief Malachi Masuku of Matobo district said there was a need for effective police patrols to contain activities of illegal miners.
He lamented corrupt activities by police officers he accused of allowing illegal gold panners to carry out their activities.
Chief Masuku said the country was losing a lot of gold to smugglers who were buying the precious mineral from the illegal gold panners.
Online Reporter