Criminal syndicates terrorise Gwanda

Yoliswa Dube-Moyo, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
ARTISANAL gold mining is fueling violence and criminal networks in Gwanda.

Even the little-known shopping centres and bars in the mining town now harbour rings of thieves and drug peddlers.

Armed robberies, stabbings and in some instances, murder have become frequent occurrences.

Locals say the Gwanda of old has since died. They have to constantly be looking over their shoulders, even in broad daylight.

Not only is there a thirst for gold and wealth, but there’s also a thirst for blood in equal measure.

Recently, several residents were reportedly robbed of their vehicles, in some instances at gun point in the town’s central business district in broad daylight.

Others have lost their lives during turf wars related to gold mining. Some have become victims of ritual killings through which people harvest body parts to, they believe, enhance their wealth.

According to police records, Gwanda has recorded 34 robbery cases, 130 unlawful entry cases, 154 assault cases and 214 theft cases in the first seven months of the year.

“Gwanda used to be a very safe place but because of the criminal activities being reported of late, it is now questionable. We’re not used to this kind of life,” said Ms Thandeka Sibanda, a Jahunda resident.

She said unregulated bars, shebeens and shopping areas were becoming breeding grounds for criminals.

“Some of the shebeens will be selling alcohol from morning and they’re open until past 3am. These shebeens are habouring criminals and promoting bad behaviour because there’s no one to control or put them in line,” said Ms Sibanda.

Gwanda Mayor Councillor Njabulo Siziba said the criminal activities taking place in the mining town were emanating from the fact that the town is now overwhelmed by people whose identities are unknown.

“Some will come down here under the guise that they have come for gold while they have other agendas. Some have come here genuinely for gold but end up struggling to get it. Because that person is not known around here and they’re desperate to earn a living, they’re tempted to commit one crime or the other,” said Clr Siziba.

He said thieves have always been there in communities and law enforcement was needed to minimise crime.

“Council can only go in on issues of infrastructure that were commissioned by council. We can resolve to shut down illegal operations as council. The police need to carry out operations to weed out criminal elements,” said Clr Siziba.

“For example, they can surround one of the bushes where these people stay and ascertain their identities and residential addresses. Those whose identities are not known must be rounded up.”

He said small-scale miners could also contribute to the solution through monitoring of who gets into their mines.

“They must have registers of whoever visits their mines. They should know who they are and where they’re coming from. The number of people living in the bush between Gwanda and Colleen Bawn could equal the number of people living in Gwanda town. There are so many of them yet this shouldn’t be the case,” said Clr Siziba.

In a recent statement, police urged members of the public to comply with the law and desist from operating illegal entities.

“The operation of shebeens is illegal. They are also seen as a hive of activity where criminals thrive, where they waylay their victims. We also ask the members of the public to continue to report these people who operate illegally.”

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned robbery syndicates saying police will not fold hands while they attack individuals and institutions.

“The police will certainly account for all robbery suspects and ensure that the law takes its course,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. – @Yolisswa