Police have swooped on artisanal miners who had overrun mining sites in Mazowe district in Mashonaland Central in a bid to stop illegal activities in the area.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the directive covered the Mazowe Mine Lease 35 area near the police station and surrounding concessions.
Nyathi said the Mines and Mining Development ministry was leading the effort to clear the area of illegal mining operations that have been causing the destruction of land and vegetation.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, recently issued an eviction notice and order for all illegal occupiers of mining sites, destruction of land and vegetation activities and those engaged in criminal acts to vacate Mazowe Mine Lease 35 which cover areas near ZRP Mazowe up to concession with effect from 6 July 2024 to 13 July 2024.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, therefore, takes this opportunity to warn illegal occupants of mining sites and those perpetuating criminal activities to take heed of the notice and vacate or leave indicated areas by given period,” he said.
Nyathi said the police would also arrest anyone who defied the government's directive or engaged in criminal activities under the guise of mining.
“Police will ensure the law takes its course on anyone who will defy the government’s directive or commits criminal activity under the guise of mining syndicates groups. The public is implored to cooperate with police officers as they move to maintain law and order, “he said.
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