President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that individuals who attack gold miners with machetes must be dealt with decisively as they are disturbing production in the country.
Mnangagwa said that the president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Ms Henriata Rushawaya, had dismissed reports suggesting that the machete-wielding gangs are artisanal miners. The president continued saying:
We have said we don’t want this, anyone found in possession of these dangerous weapons should be arrested and jailed.
These machete-wielding gangs, popularly known as “Mashurugwi”, a name suggesting that they originate from Shurugwi, Midlands, have been attacking miners and invading their mines.
Some analysts have often argued that Mashurugwi are well connected hence the government’s reluctance to deal with them.
More: The Herald