GOLD CRIME CRACKDOWN: Police vow to nail illegal possessors

POLICE have issued a hard hitting warning to individuals and institutions dabbling in the illegal possession and trade of gold. Anyone found with the precious mineral without proper paperwork will be arrested and prosecuted.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reminded the public that holding gold without a valid permit or licence, as required under the Gold Trade Act and regulations overseen by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, is a criminal offence. He said all offenders will be dealt with decisively.

The warning follows the recent arrest and conviction of Joseph Phiri, who was caught with 3 118 grams of gold without lawful authority. According to police, Phiri was sentenced to five years in jail and the gold was forfeited to the State.

Comm Nyathi said the conviction shows their determination to clamp down on unregulated gold dealings, which continue to cause leakages and undermine the formal mining sector.

He said the law is clear and its full process will be applied in every case.
“We urge members of the public to desist from illegal gold activities and to comply with national regulations,” he said.

Comm Nyathi appealed for wider public cooperation in exposing offenders.
“We encourage Zimbabweans to report any individuals or groups involved in illegal gold trading or possession. Community participation is vital in protecting our national resources,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said the public can report suspicious gold activities through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.