Police conducted a successful operation on Monday, apprehending 90 illegal gold miners along Mutare River in Penhalonga. The crackdown targeted artisanal miners who had unlawfully established mining operations along the riverbank, leading to environmental degradation and endangering their own safety. This initiative was confirmed by National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in an official statement.
“From 9-12 July, police conducted an operation to eradicate illegal gold mining activities along Mutare River, Penhalonga, resulting in the arrest of 90 individuals involved in various illegal mining practices,” Nyathi reported.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a significant amount of mining equipment from the suspects. The confiscated items included wheelbarrows, shovels, submersible pumps, hammer mills, water pumps, solar panels, and other paraphernalia commonly used in illegal mining operations.
Nyathi emphasized the ongoing commitment of the police force to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the region. Penhalonga has become notorious for activities such as gold smuggling and extensive environmental harm, prompting continued efforts from authorities to enforce the law.
“The ZRP remains steadfast in ensuring that legal consequences are faced by anyone engaging in illegal mining, whether individually or as part of organized syndicates,” Nyathi affirmed.
The arrests and seizures underscored the authorities’ resolve to preserve environmental integrity and uphold lawful mining practices in the area, mitigating the adverse impacts associated with illegal mining operations.
In other news – Former Burundian president Buyoya’s body returned to homeland
The body of Burundi’s former president, Pierre Buyoya, has finally returned to his homeland, marking the end of a contentious chapter that spanned over three years and two countries. Buyoya, a significant figure in Burundi’s tumultuous political history, passed away in Paris in December 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. He was 71 years old at the time of his death.
After his passing, Buyoya was laid to rest in Bamako, Mali, where he had served as the African Union’s special envoy to Mali and the Sahel for eight years. Despite calls for his burial in Burundi, his homeland, a senior government official had previously stated that Buyoya would not receive the honors accorded to a former head of state, citing legal implications surrounding his involvement in his successor’s assassination. Read More
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