The ruling party in Zimbabwe, ZANU PF reportedly sent a high-powered delegation last week to Mudzi to investigate the eviction of illegal miners, alleged to be its members, from a gold-rich Makaha area by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Police are implementing operation Chikorokoza Chapera/Illegal Gold Panning is Over across the country that is premised at driving out Machete gangs that have been terrorising citizens and disturbing legal mining operations.
The Zanu PF delegation was allegedly sent after party members reported that police officers were harassing them. Speaking after the visit, ZANU PF Mashonaland East provincial youth leader Kelvin Mutsvairo, who was part of the delegation said:
We went to Mudzi on a fact-finding mission after our party members informed the leadership about their problems.
We were told that some people are now living in hills because some people are claiming to own the place, while some police officers are reportedly extorting and harassing gold panners.
Mutsvairo added that the delegation urged the affected to form syndicates and regularise their operations adding that the party will assist them in whatever way.
NewsDay reports that gold mine owners near Rwamba Hills have been clashing with villagers who are demanding a part of the hill for their own mining activities.
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