ZANU PF officials in Gokwe North District have accused police officers of leading an illegal mining syndicate following a gold rush in the area.
Police officers are also accused of blocking locals and traditional leaders from mining.
Speaking during a Gokwe North district coordinating committee meeting on Monday, Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena (ZANU PF), condemned the behaviour of the police officers. He said:
What is even worrying is that chiefs were also blocked by the police from investigating the matter.
Our people are not benefiting. We took up the issue of community share ownership schemes and the people led by the chiefs should benefit and that is what we want.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the gold rush and warned police officers allegedly engaged in illegal activities to refrain from such activities.
Meanwhile, a report produced by the district development committee members who visited the area with officials from the President’s Department, the police and council revealed that 8 000 people had invaded the area
This has resulted in an increase in cases of violence, prostitution and other criminal activities.
The report recommended that all the illegal activities must stop forthwith.