adminFortunate Gora Mash West Correspondent
POLICE in Mashonaland West have raised concern over the fierce fights between artisanal miners that could turn fatal if left unchecked.
This follows machete attacks by a gang of artisanal miners infamously known as Mashurugwi on fellow miners from Chinhoyi at Eldorado Mine on July 22.
In an interview, police provincial spokesperson for Mashonaland West Province Inspector Clemence Mabweazara said they had since arrested six members of the gang.
The six, he said, also sustained serious injuries and were admitted at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital under police guard, while one of them was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
“The police are not going to rest until all the offenders have been accounted for and we would like to urge them to desist from any violence,” said Insp Mabweazara.
“The artisanal miners should also regularise their operations so that they avoid these unnecessary conflicts that may claim lives.”
Meanwhile, police are looking for suspects who stabbed Simon Chitika of Ruvimbo Phase 1 on the same day the artisanal miners were engaged in their battles.
Chitika was attacked while seated in his car at Crystals Shopping Centre in Chinhoyi.
Insp Mabweazara said Chitika was taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital by his young brother who filed a report to the police at Chemagamba Police Station. Chitika is in a critical condition.
“His brother who had gone to purchase some items in the shop is the one who found Mr Chitika bleeding profusely in his BMW car,” he said.
Insp Mabweazara said police were now on the ground and will continue monitoring market places, beerhalls and any other violent prone areas to maintain a peaceful environment across the province.
“We are appealing to the community to help us with any relevant information that will help us to get hold of the accused,” he said.
Online Reporter