Residents of Bulawayo’s Ward 2 have expressed outrage over illegal gold panning along the Matsheumhlope River, which lies between the Northend and Tegela suburbs.
The activity is causing severe environmental degradation in the area, prompting calls for immediate action from local authorities.
During a walk along the river on October 5, resident Helmand Shoko witnessed the extent of the damage caused by the gold panners. He voiced his concerns in a message shared on the Ward 2 community WhatsApp group.
“The environmental damage is now a serious concern,” Shoko stated. Although he did not perform a citizen’s arrest, he warned one of the gold panners and escorted them away from the site.
Shoko urged the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and local councillors to take immediate action, highlighting the need for regular patrols to safeguard vulnerable areas.
He stressed that swift intervention is necessary to prevent further destruction.
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Another resident, Dubley, emphasized the importance of community unity in tackling such issues. He encouraged residents to organize themselves and take a more active role, including making citizen arrests where possible.
Drawing from his own experience with enforcing noise regulations in his neighborhood, Dubley said, “It took tremendous effort to get the police to act, and without broader community support, it was even harder.”
In response, Ward 2 Councillor Rendani Moyo acknowledged the rise in illegal mining activities within suburban areas, attributing it to a lack of law enforcement. “There is a proliferation of illegal mining in these areas, and it reflects weak enforcement of the relevant laws,” Moyo said.
He added that discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to address the issue.
Moyo further highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining, including land degradation, pollution, and hazardous open pits that put residents, especially children, at risk of injury.
“These activities are not just unlawful; they are causing significant damage to our infrastructure and posing risks to public safety,” he added.
In response to the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, the Zimbabwean government imposed a ban on riverbed and alluvial mining in August 2024.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere noted that such mining practices have led to severe water pollution, siltation, and the destruction of river channels, threatening essential river ecosystems.
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