Residents of Bulawayo’s Ward 2 are outraged by illegal gold panning occurring along the Matsheumhlope River, situated between the Northend and Tegela suburbs, which is resulting in massive environmental degradation.
In a message shared within the community’s Ward 2 WhatsApp group, which was seen by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/illegal-mining-wreaks-havoc-on-matsheumhlope-river/">CITE</a>, resident Helmand Shoko said he was alarmed after discovering the situation during a walk along the river on October 5. He said:
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I witnessed the extent of the destruction being done by gold panners. The environmental damage is now a serious concern. I did not make a citizen’s arrest, but I warned and escorted one of the panners away.
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Shoko urged the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and local councillors to take immediate action, adding that there was a need for regular patrols in vulnerable areas to protect the environment.
Another concerned resident, Dubley, called for community unity and urged residents to organise themselves and make citizen arrests.
He shared his own struggles with a different neighbourhood issue—an ongoing battle to enforce noise regulations.
Dudley explained that it took a lot of effort to prompt local police to take decisive action. He said the lack of broader community support made the challenge even more difficult. He said:
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My neighbour and I had to go through hell before our honourable Officer-In-charge took decisive and strong action to control the noise as per the by-laws. Nobody within this forum supported us in our terrible struggle.
If you want any change to happen -take remedial steps as soon as you see the root causes of the problem. Take steps immediately through the law enforcement agents.
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In an interview with CITE, Ward 2 Councillor Rendani Moyo conceded that there is an increase in illegal mining activities in suburban areas due to a lack of enforcement of relevant laws against the practice. Said Moyo:
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I am concerned about the proliferation of illegal mining activities in suburban areas. This points to a lack of enforcement and we are currently in a conversation with other stakeholders to find a solution to this menace.
These activities frequently lead to land degradation, and pollution, and create dangerous open pits, putting residents, particularly children, at risk of injury or even death.
Illegal mining in these areas is not just about extracting resources unlawfully, it is also causing massive damage to our infrastructure and putting people’s lives at risk not to mention the possibility of violence.
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In August 2024, the government of Zimbabwe imposed an immediate ban on riverbed mining or alluvial mining due to its detrimental effects on the environment.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said alluvial mining has significantly contributed to water pollution, siltation, and the degradation of river channels, disrupting vital riverine ecosystems.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Illegal gold mining is causing big problems on Matsheumhlope River in Bulawayo. Residents are upset about the damage to the environment. They want the Environmental Management Agency and local councillors to take action. People are also being urged to work together and make citizen arrests. There is concern that illegal mining activities are increasing due to a lack of enforcement of laws. The government has already banned riverbed mining because it is hurting the environment. It's important to protect the river and the people who live nearby.

Illegal Gold Mining Wreaks Havoc On Matsheumhlope River

Illegal gold miners are reportedly digging tunnels and pits close to three historical monuments in Globe and Phoenix, Kwekwe, leaving the properties facing possible collapse.
The properties affected are the Paper House, where Rhodesia founder Cecil John Rhodes reportedly once stayed, which are part of Globe and Phoenix Mine museums, which also include a former “royal palace” now being used as a guest house by Kwekwe Consolidated Gold Mines trading as Homestake Mining Company.
Both the Paper House and the former palace are about 200 metres from the Kwekwe central business district (CBD).
The illegal gold mining activities have destroyed roads, streetlights, and other infrastructure in the Globe and Phoenix suburb.
Kwekwe town clerk Lucia Mkandla confirmed the issue to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003215/gold-panners-besiege-kwekwe-monuments">NewsDay</a>. She said:
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Yes, we are aware of complaints of some gold panners who have encroached onto people’s homes and some infrastructure.
These are poachers who are just trying to extract the minerals illegally. We have since notified the police and they are handling the matter. Therefore, I can’t comment further on the matter.
</blockquote>
Earlier this year, authorities at Globe and Phoenix Primary School warned that the same gold panners were posing a danger to the institution.
One of the Globe and Phoenix residents, Rosemary Adolfo, wrote a letter to the Kwekwe City Council on 1 November 2022 pleading with the city fathers to intervene and curb illegal gold mining activities in the area. She wrote:
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With all due respect, I am writing to notify you about the worsening state of roads and trees and the absence of streetlights in Globe and Phoenix suburb.
I and fellow residents are facing significant difficulties and dangers with the parlous state of the roads, which have not been serviced in all my 20 years of residence, streetlights again which were last attended to more than 20 years ago and the ever-increasing menace of rampant illegal mining activities which are further worsening the condition of municipal infrastructure which are roads, water and sewage reticulation as their digging is wreaking havoc in Globe and Phoenix.
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Adolfo told NewsDay that the illegal gold miners were using explosives in the residential area, endangering their lives. She said:
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My family can’t even go out of the yard in a car, because they have dug right by the gate,.
At this rate, we may not even be able to walk out of the yard. We have done all we can to have the problem addressed, but nothing is materialising.
We have approached many officers who have told us that their hands are tied to deal with the matter.
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The high rate of unemployment in Zimbabwe has forced thousands of young people across the country to resort to illegal gold mining to eke out a living.

Gold Panners Wreak Havoc In Kwekwe Residential Suburb

The leader of a gang of illegal gold panners, whose group recently stormed Redwing Mine in Penhalonga and attacked security guards with machetes and axes, has been slapped with a three-year jail sentence.
Zondai Urayayi (24), was found guilty of public violence and theft by Senior Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe, who acquitted three other suspects as there was no incriminating evidence against them.
Urayayi will, however, serve 30 months behind bars after six months of the sentence were set aside on condition of good behaviour.
Theophilus Gapara (28), Godfrey Dzingirayi (42) and Darlington Mutsingo (26), who where Urayayi’s alleged accomplices — were acquitted.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/machete-gang-leader-jailed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

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