The Zimbabwe Informal Sectors’ Organisation (Ziso) has called for an immediate halt to the abuse of small scale miners at Kitsiyatota minefields in Bindura who were being indiscriminately evicted.
BY STAFF REPORTER
Ziso said the miners were now being forced to live in nearby mountains, adversely affecting women and children who have been forced to resort to mining to survive.
“Scores of miners are stranded at Oval Canteen because of abrupt evictions by the police,” said the organisation in a statement. Ziso said it was concerned by the corrupt practices of some officials linked to the ruling Zanu PF who were demanding bribes from the artisanal miners.
“Ziso agrees with the government on the need to maintain peace and uphold morality.
“However, these should be balanced with the people’s livelihoods,” the statement added.
Ziso urged the government to focus on the formalisation and regularisation of the mining activities rather than criminalising them.
“Government should weed out corruption and ensure transparency and accountability in its operations,” added Ziso.
