The Zimbabwe Republic Police has carried out a major law enforcement operation in Mazowe’s mining areas, targeting a surge in violent crime, illegal mining activities and environmental destruction.
The sweeping operation focused on criminal activities including murder, robbery, rape and stock theft, while also addressing growing concerns over land degradation, soil erosion and damage to critical infrastructure such as railway lines, roads and water systems.
Police confirmed that 79 suspects were arrested during the raids conducted in Storeys, Jumbo Mine and surrounding mining settlements.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation was part of intensified efforts to restore order in mining communities that had become hotspots for criminal activity.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police conducted a comprehensive operation in Mazowe mining areas targeting violent crimes, illegal mining and activities contributing to environmental degradation and destruction of infrastructure,” said Nyathi.
Among those arrested were four suspects accused of damaging railway infrastructure, an offence authorities say threatens national transport systems and economic activity.
During the operation, police recovered significant mining equipment believed to have been used in illegal activities. The recovered items included 30 excavators, 10 generators, three submersible pumps, seven hammer mills, six windlasses and 20 water tanks.
Nyathi said the scale of the recovered equipment demonstrated the organised nature of illegal mining operations in the area.
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“The recovery of heavy mining machinery shows that these were not isolated activities but organised operations contributing to crime, environmental destruction and economic sabotage,” he said.
Police also arrested both foreign nationals and Zimbabwean citizens in the Storeys area for engaging in illegal alluvial mining, which authorities say severely affected water systems and nearby agricultural land.
“Illegal alluvial mining has resulted in the destruction of water sources and agricultural facilities, threatening livelihoods and environmental sustainability in Mazowe,” Nyathi added.
In addition to mining-related offences, police dismantled several illegal drinking establishments commonly known as shebeens, which investigators linked to rising crime levels in the mining settlements.
Officers confiscated several kilograms of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and assorted groceries suspected to have been traded illegally.
According to the ZRP, such informal establishments often become centres for violent crime and lawlessness.
“These illegal setups have been fuelling criminal activities in mining communities. The police will continue conducting operations to ensure safety and compliance with the law,” Nyathi said.
The police warned that similar operations will be rolled out in other mining districts across the country as authorities move to curb illegal mining, protect infrastructure and restore security in affected communities.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report criminal activities as the ZRP intensifies its nationwide crackdown.
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