adminMidlands Correspondent
Illegal gold panners have invaded a private commercial property in Shurugwi Town’s Sebanga suburb, destroying infrastructure that includes water and sewer pipes, in search of the precious mineral.According to Pesanai Mombe, the owner of the damaged property, the panners invaded a one hectare piece of land where a lodge is under construction.
He said a number of chalets which are at foundation level had their foundations destroyed.
“I am constructing a lodge in the affected area. There are 10 stand alone rooms which are all at slab level. The panners are, however, digging the area in search of gold and some of the structures have since been destroyed,” said Mombe.
He said he reported the “invasion” at Shurugwi Police station but that did not change anything as the panners continued to be a menace on his property.
He said his repeated attempts to drive the panners out of his property were proving to be difficult as the invaders were now threatening him with violence.
“They are threatening to beat me up if I continue to ‘disturb’ their panning activities. The police are conducting some routine patrols in the area but this is not helping much as the panners continue with their operations whenever the police officers go away. It appears the panners are aware that police do routine patrols on specific periods and they are capitalising on that. My investment is under threat,” he said.
Mombe said panners had destroyed underground water pipes. He said no arrests have been made so far.
“I believe some police officers are benefiting from the panning taking place at my property. I am saying so because there has not been any arrest since we made a report to the police,” alleged Mombe.
Police spokesperson for Midlands province, Insp Emmanuel Mahoko said he was still to get details of the Shurugwi gold rush when contacted for a comment yesterday.
Online Reporter