The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested 45 illegal panners and 8 illegal vendors at Vhovha mine for possessing dangerous weapons.
According to the ZRP National spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police recovered dangerous weapons which can be used to commit acts of violence.
“45 illegal gold panners and 8 illegal vendors were arrested at Vhovha mine in Gwanda while 5 others were also arrested for disorderly conduct.
“Mining implements, dangerous weapons such as axes, knobkerries, iron bars and an assortment of foodstuffs, drinks, soap, and liquor were recovered in the process,” he said.
Earlier this week, the police announced that the operation against illegal mining activities and machete-wielding gangs is ongoing countrywide saying arrests and follow-ups on known gangs are being made daily in all the areas.
Meanwhile, the police have sealed off Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, a move aimed at restoring sanity to the area which has been invaded by thousands of illegal miners from across the country.
The mine has been declared a no-go area and a total of 1 715 illegal miners have been arrested countrywide under the ongoing operation code-named “Chikorokoza Ngachipere/No to Machete Gangs”, launched last week.
