At least 200 people are awaiting trial at the magistrate courts after being rounded up by police recently. War veterans have demanded their immediate unconditional release, while police sources say the panners have named senior party officials as their masters.
“We have received information that party stalwarts, including those in the politburo, are responsible for illegal mining in Bikita,” said a highly placed police source. War vets have threatened to hold a series of demonstrations if their demands are not met.
“We want our sons to be free after all the minerals belong to us,” said Kid Muzenda.
Tantalite fetches $75 – 100 per kg. It was discovered at Bikita about three weeks ago, and hordes of people have descended on the area to search for it.
Chief Marozva has appealed to government to allow the people in his area to mine the mineral for their own benefit, arguing that mineral was given to them by God.
Post published in: News