Makorokoza invade Mutare City
ARTISANAL gold miners (makorokoza) have overrun Sakubva River in the Riverside Industrial Area of Mutare, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in their wake.
The river, situated a stone’s throw from the Central Business District (CBD), has borne the brunt of the miners’ activities; sparking concerns over the long-term impact on the waterway and local ecosystem.
The artisanal miners are reportedly from Chikanga, Hobhouse and Sakubva high-density suburbs, and have been camped along the waterway since January.
Having operated in the gold-rich areas of Penhalonga and Odzi, they are using their experience to ravage Sakubva River and its surrounding environs.
Artisanal gold miners are reportedly operating under the cover of darkness to evade law enforcement agents.
They have savaged the area behind Mutare Bottling Company and Yeovil medium-density suburb along Sakubva River in search of the yellow metal. Property owners in the surrounding areas are growing increasingly concerned about the potential destruction of their assets as the artisanal miners are encroaching onto their premises.
Some residents are reluctant to speak out against the invasion, fearing for their safety.
A resident, Mr Misheck Madira, said the illegal miners are destroying precast walls near the riverbanks as they carry out their operations.
“It is disheartening that we are now worried about the destruction of our properties, particularly buildings and precast walls, due to the activities of these artisanal miners. They are following the gold belt right into our properties, and we fear it will not be long before we see cracks on our buildings or even witness them crumbling,” said Mr Madira, urging the law enforcement agents to intervene and restore order.
Herald
