ZANU PF youths implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa to deploy the Zimbabwe National Army to intervene in the ongoing war against other illegal gold miners by machete gangs, saying the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had failed to stamp its authority.
The call was made by several youths who attended the Zanu PF National Youth Convention on Wednesday in Kadoma.
The youths described the situation as precarious, and hence should be declared a national disaster.
They said Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces had become warzones, with the ZRP now in no position to contain the situation.
The youths, who spoke to this publication on the sidelines of the convention, said the gangsters had completely overwhelmed the police force and so continue to operate.
“They have totally overpowered our police force. We know some places in Kwekwe where police are scared to go to, meaning that these guys are running the show in our towns,” said one youth leader from Kwekwe.
They further accused the police of corruption and collaborating with the gangs, and in the process turning a blind eye on reports being made by the victims.
“How can we have someone arrested but tomorrow you see them in the street, walking scot-free.”
Machete wars are reportedly targeted at other illegal artisanal miners, with machete gangs said to be constituted by rich and powerful persons, with the capacity even to bribe high-ranking police officers to cover up for crimes committed.
According to statements by some illegal gold miners, their ring leaders are said to be well connected, with many of them even capable of driving brand new luxurious vehicles.
Addressing the youths, Mnangagwa said his government did not condone violence, adding he would make sure the law took its course.
The President, however, said the violence was being motivated by lack of legal documentation among participants, giving rise to disturbing reports of machete gangs in gold mining towns.
“The problem of violence is motivated by the chaos in these mining areas, especially on mine claims. That will end once we give appropriate mining rights to the miners.
“I will make sure that my government deals with the issue of mining claims once and for all,” Mnangagwa said.
