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Daniel Chigunwe Herald Correspondent
Glendale residents in Mashonaland Central province are living in fear as suspected machete-wielding artisanal miners are wreaking havoc, robbing businesses and farmers.
The town is home to hordes of artisanal miners with the situation reportedly having been exacerbated by the closure of mining operations in the Jumbo area following risky mining activities.
A Glendale resident and businessman Mr Brian Jonga confirmed terrifying incidents saying it has become dangerous for the community to move at night as random attacks are on the increase.
“People are living in fear as cases of robberies and muggings are becoming a daily ritual. Hundreds of miners who ran away from Jumbo following a crackdown by the police a few weeks ago are holed here. They are now resorting to violence in the pubs, streets and homes. Recently, some of the suspected robbers pounced on a local businessman at his guarded home before leaving with US$30 000 and a vehicle which was later recovered in Murehwa,” said Mr Jonga.
Police deputy provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Tonny Nyandoro confirmed the robberies adding that Bindura and Mt Darwin are also not spared from the ongoing scourge.
“We have noted with grave concern an upsurge in cases of armed robberies targeting business persons, farmers and local residents. Some of the criminals are using machetes and other dangerous weapons to terrorise unsuspecting victims. Our police officers are firm on the ground to look out for these criminal elements and bring them to book,” said Asst Insp Nyandoro.
Police further called on members of the public to report any cases of plain and armed robbery cautioning against travelling at night.
“We also urge the public to jealously guard their lives and property by avoiding travelling during late hours since these crimes are usually committed during the night. Business owners, miners and farmers should desist from keeping large sums of cash at their homes and business premises.”
Meanwhile, Mazowe South legislator Cde Advocate Norbert Mazungunye said he will be holding a stakeholder meeting with the community to find measures to address the menace.
“We are under attack as a community; we have about three serious cases so far having been reported to the police. I will be soon meeting residents and the business community so that we find ways of addressing the challenges affecting our society,” said Cde Mazungunye.
Online Reporter