The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested 79 suspects during a massive operation targeting violent crime, illegal mining and environmental destruction in Mazowe mining areas.
In a statement yesterday, the ZRP said the operation focused on criminal activities including murder, robbery, rape and stock theft, while also targeting widespread environmental degradation and destruction of critical infrastructure caused by illegal mining activities.
“The ZRP has conducted a massive operation against criminal acts such as murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, among others in Mazowe mining areas.
The operation also targeted land degradation, soil erosion, destruction of railway infrastructure, road and water systems,”the police added
Police said 79 suspects were arrested during raids conducted in Storeys, Jumbo Mine and surrounding areas, with four suspects specifically arrested for allegedly causing damage to railway infrastructure.
ZRP recovered a wide range of equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining operations. The recovered property included 30 excavators, 10 generators, three submersible pumps, seven hammer mills, six windlasses and 20 water tanks.
“The police recovered water tanks, 30 excavators, 10 generators and three submersible pumps, seven hammer mills, six windlasses and 20 water tanks,” the ZRP said.
The operation also led to the arrest of both foreign nationals and Zimbabwean citizens allegedly involved in illegal alluvial mining activities in the Storeys area of Mazowe.
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“Some foreign nationals and Zimbabweans were arrested in Storeys area, Mazowe for alluvial mining which affected the water system and agriculture facilities,” police said.
The ZRP also dismantled several illegal shebeens operating in the mining areas and confiscated large quantities of meat, alcohol, groceries and illicit brews believed to have been fuelling criminal activities.
“The ZRP dismantled shebeens and confiscated several kilogrammes of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and groceries. These activities are obviously contributing to criminal acts in the area,” said the police.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over escalating criminal activity, violence and environmental destruction linked to illegal mining operations across the country.
Police said operations against illegal mining syndicates and related criminal activities would continue as part of efforts to safeguard communities, protect infrastructure and preserve the environment.
