An artisanal gold miner was apprehended on Sunday by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) loss control officers after he was caught illegally prospecting for gold beneath the railway tracks in Mvuma.
The NRZ said the excavation caused significant structural damage to the ground directly under the rail line, raising serious safety concerns.
The NRZ has since issued a warning against illegal mining within the railway reserve — land that stretches 45 metres on either side of the tracks.
In a statement, the NRZ reminded the public that prospecting for minerals within this zone is a criminal offence under the Railways Act and carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
