Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyevem [email protected]
UMZINGWANE District has emerged as the epicentre of violent crime in Matabeleland South Province, recording the highest number of murders and machete-related attacks stemming from mineral resource-based conflicts, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has revealed.
Presenting statistics covering January 2024 to March 2026, Minister Kazembe said Umzingwane recorded six murder cases, one attempted murder, 29 robberies and 35 assaults, the worst figures in the province.
In contrary, Beitbridge and Gwanda districts recorded no murder cases during the same period.
“My Ministry remains gravely concerned by the prevalence of cases of machete wielding violence emanating from mineral resource-based conflicts throughout the country, and particularly in Matabeleland South Province
“The Ministry continues to encourage tolerance amongst our populace and the peaceful resolution of differences,” said Minister Kazembe.
He said Bulilima District recorded five murders, seven attempted murders and three robberies, while Gwanda had two attempted murders, five assaults and ten robberies.
The province secured 23 convictions with custodial sentences ranging from five months to 15 years.
Umzingwane alone recorded one murder conviction, one attempted murder conviction, nine robberies and 17 assaults.
“In support of this position, a total of 32 operations which were aimed at curbing crimes perpetrated by machete-wielding gangs were conducted and officers commanding police districts have occasionally issued prohibition orders on the movement and possession of dangerous weapons,” he said.
He added that sustained police patrols, operations to shut down illegal mining and awareness campaigns continue to be rolled out across the province.
A total of 24 cases remain pending trial in courts.
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