adminThe police quickly responded by dispatching its officers to avert possible disaster in the area as all the panners, including a group of members of the apostolic sect, were now claiming ownership of the claim.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Patrick Chademana said the gold alluvial was discovered near Munyati River in Sherwood Farming Block, about 20km outside Kwekwe.
He said the panners invaded the area three days ago.
“The gold was discovered at a mining claim next to a claim belonging to a Mr Chihota. The situation was chaotic as panners who own some metal detectors invaded the claim in their numbers. It was chaotic and the illegal panners were becoming unruly. There were nearly 400 panners and almost everyone was claiming ownership of the claim. A number of members of the apostolic sect had also joined in the gold rush,” said Insp Chademana.
The Midlands police spokesperson said the police had to move in quickly to avert disaster.
He said the police’s Support Unit based in Kwekwe was deployed to Sherwood to monitor the situation.
“The situation is now under control. The police presence will be maintained until such a time when the owner of the claim will be able to resume operations uninterrupted.
“The owner was actually busy working on the other section of his claim when the panners invaded his territory. No arrests were made as we moved in fast to avert a potentially explosive situation,” said Insp Chademana.
Online Reporter