Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

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Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

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Team Leader (Mutare)

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A teenager was crushed to death by a rock in a disused mine shaft at Sunace Mine in Umguza District, Matabeleland North, while engaging in illegal gold mining with four friends on Thursday.
Luckmore Sibanda (17) was killed by a large rock that fell on him while he was illegally digging for gold in a decades-old mine shaft.
His four colleagues, two of whom are also believed to be teenagers, escaped unhurt and later notified the authorities at Sunace Mine that Sibanda was trapped under a rock, although they were unsure if he was still alive.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) acting spokesperson in Bulawayo Province, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident. She said:
<blockquote>
Police confirm the sudden death of Luckmore Sibanda, national identity document not held, a male aged 17 years from Lukala Village under Chief Mtshane Khumalo.
On the afternoon of 12 December, the deceased’s father was approached by an adult male informing him that Luckmore Sibanda was trapped in a mine shaft.
When they went to check on him, it was discovered that the deceased’s body was trapped under a large rock. The team tried to retrieve the body but failed.
A police report was then made. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the mine was closed, and the deceased and his colleagues were engaged in illegal mining.
We encourage members of the public to desist from illegal mining as it endangers their lives.
</blockquote>
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/teen-illegal-miner-crushed-to-death-four-survive-mine-collapse/">Chronicle</a>, the late teenager’s father, Never Sibanda, said that the family is struggling to come to terms with the devastating possibility that his body may never be retrieved from the shaft. He said:
<blockquote>
Chances of his body being retrieved from the shaft are very slim. He was crushed by a large rock, which must be moved to retrieve his body, something we believe may not be possible.
His peers are still in school, but he chose to join his friends in gold mining. It hurts to lose our child at such a young age.
</blockquote>
Sunace Mine security supervisor Muzikababa Makwelo said that the chances of retrieving the body are less than two percent, adding it would be extremely risky to send a rescue team into the mine.
Makwelo said security teams frequently engage in running battles with illegal miners, who often carry dangerous weapons such as machetes and knives during their unsanctioned raids on the mine. He said:
<blockquote>
We have in the past tried to seal off the entrances of the disused shafts, but they always find a way in to dig for gold.
It’s a constant battle to keep them away from these old shafts, no matter how dangerous the conditions are.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A 17-year-old teenager named Luckmore Sibanda was crushed to death by a rock in a mine shaft while illegally mining for gold with his friends at Sunace Mine. His friends escaped and told the authorities about the accident. The police confirmed the incident. Luckmore's father is sad that his son's body may not be retrieved. The mine's security supervisor said it's dangerous to try to retrieve the body. Illegal mining is risky and can be very dangerous. It's important to stay away from closed mines to avoid accidents.

Teen Killed In Mine Shaft While Engaging In Illegal Mining

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has revised its estimate of the number of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West.
Initially, a local community member had reported that around 4,000 to 4,500 miners were underground, but SAPS now estimates that between 350 and 400 miners are refusing to resurface.
The situation remains tense, with reports suggesting that several miners may have died, though only one body has been retrieved so far.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone had initially told SABC News on Tuesday that the estimates from the community could not be confirmed.
However, on Thursday, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Newzroom Afrika that the earlier figure of 4,000 to 4,500 miners was “exaggerated.” <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/400-illegal-miners-refuse-resurface-stilfontein/">Said Mathe</a>:
<blockquote>
In terms of the numbers, we do feel that the numbers are being exaggerated. We have pulled all resources and mobilised all resources to work on this particular case.
Police have been collecting information. We have our intelligence operatives on the ground that are working closely with key stakeholders.
Police have managed to estimate the numbers to be between 350 and 400. We don’t dispute that there are hundreds of illegal miners that are underground and refuse to resurface.
We’re only disputing the exaggeration of the thousands that are still stuck underground.
</blockquote>
Despite repeated efforts by police to convince the illegal miners to resurface, Brigadier Mathe confirmed that their pleas have been ignored. Said Mathe:
<blockquote>
We have been making the call to the miners to resurface and as a responsible government. We have gone to great lengths to try and communicate to ensure that all these illegal miners resurface safely.
We have gone as far as writing posters and sending them down to the shafts. Police sent a negotiator as well and allowed food and water to be delivered down to these illegal miners to allow them to gain strength so that they will be able to come out. But those efforts fell on deaf ears.
Police are now in a situation where these illegal miners refuse to resurface and cooperate with the SAPS. We have no choice but to stamp the authority of the state.
We are not backing down as law enforcement, we have the responsibility to combat and prevent all incidences of criminality and illegal mining is one of them.
</blockquote>
Two weeks ago, at least 500 illegal miners emerged from abandoned mines in Orkney, North West Province, after succumbing to starvation and dehydration as Operation Vala Umgodi task teams monitored the area.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hundreds of illegal miners are stuck in a mine in South Africa, but they are refusing to come out even though the police are asking them to. The police initially thought there were thousands of miners stuck, but now they believe there are only about 350 to 400. The police have been trying to help the miners with food and water, but the miners are not listening. The police are trying to get the miners to come out safely, but they might have to use force if they don't cooperate.

Illegal Miners In South African Mine Not Trapped, But "Refusing" To Resurface - Police

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed his support for Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who recently insisted that the government would not attempt to rescue the illegal miners trapped underground—reportedly numbering in the thousands.
The statement has sparked intense debate across the country, after Ntshavheni labeled the stranded miners as “criminals” and declared that the government would “smoke them out.”
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said that the government would not put the lives of police officers and military personnel at risk by sending them down the shafts to rescue what she referred to as “criminals.”She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
Commenting on X, McKenzie expressed his support for Ntshavheni, adding that there should indeed be “lots of smoke.” He wrote on X in response to a clip of Ntshavheni’s remarks:
<blockquote>
Thank you Minister (Ntshavheni), let there be smoke, lots of smoke… Why don’t we get them some pizza with extra cheese toppings and a few bottles of wine whilst they making they mind up if they want to resurface ? Guns &amp; grenades are being hidden down there, these guys are buying time, no one is trapped, they are simply refusing to come up &amp; out.
</blockquote>
Another South African, Lindo Mnisi, concurred with McKenzie, saying criminality should never be tolerated. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The South African government must deal decisively with these criminals. Anybody who stands firm against illegal foreigners and criminals, will be supported and protected by all of us. Thank you Minister Ntshavheni for the decisive stance. We must stop tiptoeing around illegalities. Smoke them out!
</blockquote>
On the other hand, Helen Zille, federal chair of the Democratic Alliance, has called for a more empathetic approach to the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Commenting on X in response to a post by Newzroom Afrika, Zille said that the situation should be handled with compassion, as it directly impacts people’s lives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gayton McKenzie supports Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's tough stance on illegal miners trapped underground. Ntshavheni called the miners "criminals" and said the government will not rescue them. McKenzie agrees and says there should be lots of smoke to force the miners out. Lindo Mnisi also supports this stance. However, Helen Zille believes a more empathetic approach is needed for the trapped miners. This has caused a big debate in South Africa. Some say criminals should not be helped and should be persecuted, while others believe compassion should be shown.

Gayton McKenzie Backs Ntshavheni’s Tough Stance On Illegal Miners, Says "Let There Be Lots Of Smoke"

Helen Zille, Federal Chair of South Africa’s second-largest political party, the Democratic Alliance, has called for empathy in handling the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Thousands of illegal miners are reportedly trapped in disused mines in Stilfontein, sparking a national debate.
At a post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the government would not attempt to rescue the trapped miners, instead opting to “smoke them out.” She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The government’s refusal to help the miners has led to widespread debate across South Africa, with varying opinions on the best course of action.
Commenting on X in response to a Newzroom Afrika post, Zille said that the situation should be handled with empathy, as it directly impacts people’s lives. She said:
<blockquote>
Come on. The minister is talking about human beings here. People facing a perilous life-threatening calamity must be rescued.
Arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law. But don’t leave them to perish in horrific circumstances. What happened to Ubuntu?
</blockquote>
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have descended on the area and sealed off the routes through which community members supply food and water to the illegal miners underground, enabling their ongoing and indefinite illegal mining activities.
A community member who volunteered to go underground this week reported back that some of the trapped miners have died, while others are critically ill.
The community representative estimated that around 4,500 miners remain underground, too afraid to resurface due to the risk of arrest.
Meanwhile, AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa told Newzroom Afrika that miners, including those employed by formal mining companies, face daily dangers. He said:
<blockquote>
Workers are being killed every day, even in the regulated mines, therefore, there is no law. You can’t blame people who go and seek for livelihood because of this government that is so incompetent.
They called [striking mineworkers at Marikana in August 2012] criminals. I do not know now how they can be able to distinguish between criminals and workers.
Thirty-four mineworkers were killed, fighting for economic emancipation by the very same government.
Today they have the guts to say let’s smoke them out, those criminals. The same government has made this environment very fertile for illegal mining.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Helen Zille wants to help trapped illegal miners in South Africa. The government doesn't want to rescue them, calling them criminals. There is a debate on how to help the miners. Some people think they should be saved, others think they should be arrested. Many miners are trapped underground and some have died. The government is sealing off routes that supply food and water to the miners. The president of a mining union says even legal miners face dangers. People are questioning the government's response to the situation.

"What Happened To Ubuntu?": Helen Zille Calls For Humane Approach To Trapped Illegal Miners

South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on Wednesday, said that the government will not attempt to rescue illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. Instead, she said authorities would take measures to “smoke them out.”
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, Ntshavheni said the government would not assist “criminals”. She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted.
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The minister’s comments have sparked a storm of reactions. Some people support her strong stance, while others criticise her, saying her words show a lack of empathy for the families who are desperate for help in finding their miners.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Phillip Mankge, acting deputy general secretary of NUM, called the minister’s remarks “inhumane” and “irresponsible.” He said:
<blockquote>
As NUM we would like to categorically clear that we do not support the statement. In fact it is inhumane and irresponsible of the minister to utter such words when the people are trapped underground.
What is wrong with African people when they want to go back to their primitive mining stage, to say they want to mine themselves because we have an abundance of gold, chrome and all sorts of minerals in South Africa?
</blockquote>
Around 4,000 illegal miners are still trapped underground in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West, with reports suggesting that some may have already died.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, a police spokesperson from North West, told SABC News that the police are working with local community members to help bring the miners to safety.
However, he also said that once the miners are brought to the surface, they will be arrested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The South African government will not rescue illegal miners trapped underground, but will try to get them out by smoking them out. The government sees the miners as criminals and will not help them. Some people support this tough stance, while others say it lacks empathy for the families of the miners. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) criticizes the minister's remarks as inhumane and irresponsible. Around 4,000 miners are trapped, and some may have already died. The police are working to bring them to safety, but they will be arrested once they are rescued.

South African Government Vows To "Smoke Out" Trapped Illegal Miners

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has directed all illegal miners to vacate Mazowe Mine by July 13th, 2024.
This order follows a recent eviction notice issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
In a statement released on Monday, July 8th, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that the law will take its course against any illegal miners who fail to comply with the order to vacate the mine within the stipulated timeframe. Said Comm. Nyathi:
<blockquote>
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 06th July 2024 to 13th July 2024.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police therefore takes the opportunity to warn illegal occupants of mining sites and those perpetuating criminal activities to take heed of the notice and vacate or leave the indicated areas by the given period.
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 or groups.
The public is implored to cooperate with police officers as they move in to maintain law and order.
</blockquote>
The directive comes after reports that Metallon Corporation, the parent company of the Mazowe Mine, has been unable to make progress in its efforts to resume organized mining operations at the site.
Illegal gold miners have refused to leave the mine, hindering the company’s attempts to resume activities.
Mazowe Mine was initially closed in September 2018 due to a range of operational challenges, including capital constraints.
The mine was subsequently placed under administration following reconstruction issues, along with its sister mine, Shamva Mine.
In January of this year, Mazowe Mine announced plans to resume underground shaft operations, which had been suspended in 2019 after an influx of artisanal miners invaded the mine’s fields.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Order Illegal Miners To Vacate Mazowe Mine By July 13

A Chinese head of security at Bunyip Gold Mine in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, opened fire on a dozen illegal miners who entered the mine and allegedly stole two sacks of gold ore.
Four of the illegal miners were injured in the shooting which occurred on April 14, 2024.
Two of the injured illegal miners have been admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo.
One of the miners who was shot in the shoulder had to undergo a chest drain, a procedure in which a narrow tube is inserted between the ribs to sit in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This is done to prevent the backflow of fluid from the tubing into the chest cavity.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/chinese-mine-security-head-shoots-four-illegal-miners-in-filabusi/">CITE</a> reported sources sources as saying the Chinese worker shot at the illegal miners with live ammunition, accusing them of illegally prospecting for gold in the mine. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Police recovered 13 rounds of live ammunition but have not arrested the miner as they were engaged in talks with the Chinese embassy.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told CITE they were still investigating the case to determine what happened. He said:
<blockquote>
Some illegal gold miners are said to have cut the fence and entered the mine through the breather, taking some gold ore in about two sacks in the process, leading to a scuffle.
Then the head of security reacted and fired some shots, but the illegal miners did not comply. The head of security then shot at four of the illegal miners who sustained injuries while the others fled.
</blockquote>
Asked if the Chinese worker would be arrested, Nyathi said the mine was formally registered but the illegal miners committed a criminal act. He said:
<blockquote>
There are two aspects to this case: the criminal act by the miners and the shooting incident. This is a registered mine with a valid certificate of operations and permits.
</blockquote>
Nyathi said the 12 illegal miners, armed with machetes and other weapons, returned to the mine to attack the security officers and take away gold ore.
He said Police are conducting investigations, and will issue a detailed statement in due course.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Mine Security Head Opens Fire On Illegal Miners In Filabusi

The Government has appealed to mining companies in Mashonaland West Province to assist in rescuing artisanal miners trapped underground after a mine shaft collapsed at Bay Horse Mine in Chegutu on Friday, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017445/chegutu-mine-collapse-govt-appeals-for-help">reported NewsDay</a>.
21 of the illegal miners escaped death. Eight were rescued between Friday night and Saturday morning with four currently in hospital with varying degrees of injury.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo said 10 people have been confirmed dead, while four bodies have since been retrieved.
The bodies were taken to Chegutu District Hospital mortuary.
Addressing relatives of the trapped people, artisanal miners and Bay Horse community members, Chombo said:
<blockquote>
We are not sure of the number but we are told that 42 artisanal miners went underground, but the number could be more since some get inside the mine using undesignated entry points.
I want to thank the local community and fellow artisanal miners who reacted swiftly to rescue eight people alive and retrieve four bodies.
We are now seeking assistance from big mines like Zimplats, Golden Valley and Pickstone Mine among other mines to help in the search for miners still trapped underground.
The mines have expertise and other machines and equipment that could be helpful.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chegutu-mine-disaster-govt-ropes-in-experts/">The Herald</a> reported that Afrochine had by Saturday sent a team of electricians and mining technicians together with equipment to the mine.
The equipment included diesel water pumps to deal with rising water levels in the shaft and to crack a huge bolder.
Bay Horse Mine is a few kilometres from Cricket Mine in Battlefields, also in Mashonaland West Province, which collapsed and killed 23 illegal gold miners in 2019.
Chombo appealed to small-scale miners to be careful in their operations to avoid putting their lives in danger.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chegutu: Govt Appeals For Help To Rescue Trapped Miners

Two bodies of illegal miners who were buried underground after their mine shaft caved in for over a week were retrieved on Friday.
Rescue teams had spent over a week searching for the bodies without success.
Last week, Chief Mutasa, traditional healers and villagers conducted rituals at the mine site in Mutare River in Penhalonga seeking spiritual guidance for rescue teams to no avail.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province Nobert Muzondo confirmed the latest development to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200015871/bodies-retrieved-from-mine-shaft">The Standard</a> on Saturday. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s true that the two bodies have been found in a decomposed state.
</blockquote>
Penhalonga Youth Development Trust director Clinton Masanga, who was on the ground, said “Something must be done to stop these deaths”.
Centre for Research and Development director James Mupfumi, said:
<blockquote>
There is a need for investigation into beneficial shareholding of exclusive prospecting orders and special grants.
</blockquote>
The mine is reportedly owned by Simba Dumbura, who is believed to be politically connected.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bodies Of Illegal Miners Retrieved From Mine Shaft

Forty-one undocumented Zimbabweans were arrested in South Africa for illegal chrome mining.
In a statement, police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects will appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court this Thursday. Said Ledwaba:
<blockquote>
The suspects were apprehended during a joint intelligence operation conducted by the members of the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team, Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with the RR Undercover Security Company at Ga-Phasha village under Sefateng mine jurisdiction in Mecklenburg policing precinct at about 23:30.
Police received information about illegal mining activities taking place in the area and swiftly reacted. Upon arrival, police found the suspects busy mining a precious metal (chrome) at the mine without authorisation.
When the suspects saw police, they ran into the nearby bushes and others went inside the self-made tunnels to avoid being nabbed.
Police confiscated 12 generators and 10 jackhammers all valued at R170 000 as well as chrome ore worth R1 million from the suspects.
</blockquote>
Ledwaba said the suspects are all male and aged between 18 and 43. 41 are undocumented Zimbabweans, one is a Mozambican national and there is also a South African citizen.
Ledwaba vowed that South African police will stop at nothing in ensuring that illegal miners are arrested and prosecuted.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

41 Zimbabwean Border Jumpers Arrested In SA For Illegal Chrome Mining

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:
<blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
Adolfo told NewsDay that the illegal gold miners were using explosives in the residential area, endangering their lives. She said:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
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

Illegal mining is reportedly on the rise in the country’s national parks ZBC News reports. This was revealed by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Parks_%26_Wildlife_Management_Authority">Zimparks</a> Director-General, Fulton Mangwanya who was speaking on the sidelines of a Zimparks officials graduation ceremony at Mushandike college of wildlife conservancy in Masvingo when he said:
<blockquote>When we regularised we made sure they pay conservation fee, at the same time we came up with conditions for miners to rehabilitate the land.
But this is not working out well because these are small scale. We have miners who do not have the capacity to reclaim the land they will have ravaged. This is quite a challenge because our mandate is wildlife conservancy, not mining.
In Chewore and Mkanga we have arrested more than 250 Illegal miners but they keep coming to pick gold nuggets,</blockquote>
Illegal miners have been a menace in most parts of the country, some of them terrorising residents with machetes.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/illegal-mining-on-the-rise-at-national-parks/">ZBC News </a>

Makorokoza Invade National Parks

A circuit court in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shamva">Shamva</a> jailed 77 illegal miners for illegal mining, each of the 77 got 2 years behind bars, The Herald reports.
According to the publication:
<blockquote>77 illegal miners have been sentenced to two years each by a circuit court in Shamva, 112 got 50 days each on charges of criminal trespass.
The court remanded another 66 in custody pending trial, and fined two for illegal possession of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mbanje">mbanje</a>, one $80 (or 30 days) and one $500 (or five months).</blockquote>
This comes after ZRP launched an operation restore law and order to respond to the menacing terror machete-wielding gangs that have become infamous for terrorising people in gold-rich areas.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/77-illegal-miners-jailed-2-years-each/">The Herald</a>

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