Zimbabwean police have detained nine people for illicit gold mining on the campus of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
According to a Zimbabwean police tweet, an operation was conducted on July 11th at both the NUST campus and the Bulawayo City Council Khumalo pit.
During the operation, nine people were apprehended for their involvement in illicit gold mining.
The police also stated that they had recovered 85 kg of gold ore, a generator, two picks, a hammer, two water pumps, two shovels, an axe, and a machete.
On 11/07/23, Police in Bulawayo arrested nine people in connection with conducting illegal mining activities at NUST campus and Bulawayo City Council Khumalo pit
The arrest led to the recovery of 85 kilogrammes of gold ore, a generator, two picks, a hammer, two water pumps, two shovels, an axe and a machete.
The problem of property invasion by gold panners is an ongoing issue in Zimbabwe. The incident at the NUST campus is just one example of this larger problem.
Recently, a family from Kwekwe had a harrowing experience when part of their house collapsed into an underground mining tunnel that was being illegally operated beneath their home.
Fortunately, the family narrowly escaped death in that incident.
The Rusike family were not aware that they had been residing above a mining tunnel for an extended period.
They became aware of the mining activities underground when they started hearing noises and wisely decided to evacuate the house. Part of their house collapsed into the tunnel after they had vacated the premises.