Despite the Ministry of Mines declaring it a reserved area in terms of the Mines and Minerals Acts, law enforcement agents at the site were allegedly taking bribes to allow illegal gold panners to mine.
The Ministry of Mines ordered the police to guard the mine early this year after the panners had invaded the rich gold claims. Speaking to The Zimbabwean, Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister, Gift Chimanikire, said the Ministry was not in a hurry to allocate the area as they had to follow certain procedures.
“We have to do a survey first to establish the quantity of gold on the site, after which we will know if mining can be done by a small or large scale miner,” he said.
However, he said he was not surprised that illegal mining activities were taking place under the police’s nose.
“I am not surprised if that is what is happening. There are greedy people out there who will do anything to get money. These security officers should be investigated and brought to book,” he said.
Sources who refused to be named said police details were being bribed by top Zanu (PF) officials in the Midlands province to allow their syndicates to mine gold at Sherwood. The mineral is then sold on the black market. It is alleged the police guarding the area are demanding up to $1,000 entry fees.
A police officer who is allegedly involved in the illegal activities at Sherwood told The Zimbabwean: “I don’t know what you are talking about. We are here to guard the mine and that’s all”.
Heavily-armed police and soldiers moved in on the block earlier this year to restore order after the discovery of gold triggered a massive gold rush. The armed officers drove away illegal panners using dogs and tear gas before setting up a permanent base at the mine.
An official comment could not be obtained from the police district office in Kwekwe as the spokesperson was reported to be out.
Post published in: Analysis