Over 50 people believed to be part of Machete gangs have been arrested by the police in Shurugwi in an operation to curb crime and violence which is rife in small-scale gold mining.
Prince Sunduzani
Police launched an operation code-named No to Machete gangs which has already netted more than 24 000.
Violence especially in gold mining has been rampant with recent incidents emanating from the resurgence of the popular Machete gang called Maziga, who have since been silenced by the police in Norton
The Zimbabwe Republic Police communication team confirmed this saying: “Police in Shurugwi arrested 52 people on the operation, “No to machete gangs”. The arrest led to the recovery of 16 hammer mill engines, four pick mark engines and a machete.”
Earlier this week, the ZRP announced that it had arrested over 24 000 countrywide, in their fight against Machete gangs who have caused mayhem in the country, killing, injuring and robbing people among other crimes.
The gangs had become a law unto themselves and various organisations have called for swift action by Police before the issue spirals out of control.
Machete gangs caused panic in Norton, forcing a halt in production as miners feared for their lives.
Last week, the return of well-known terror group Maziga in Norton had caused worry in the mining community of Norton after several were injured and one was reportedly killed by the gang.
Common Machete Gangs in Zimbabwe are Mashurugwi, hailing from the mining town of Shurugwi and the Maziga from Kadoma.