One person has allegedly died following an attack by criminals feared to be part of the Maziga terror gang and officials are calling for immediate action to reign in the violence before it spirals out of control, as they fear a drop in gold production.
Prince Sunduzani
The deceased, only identified by sources as Alexander Lala was killed at Barker Room in Norton yesterday.
Mining Zimbabwe yesterday reported that the machete-wielding gang known as Maziga had made a comeback, terrorizing Norton Miners and residents.
According to a source, the gang has since injured about 7 women and men.
In a related incident, a woman was struck with a machete and suffered serious injuries as confirmed by the area’s Member of Parliament.
A security official in the Norton Miners Federation, who spoke on condition of anonymity told this publication that the group has caused havoc of the same magnitude as the MaShurugwi.
He said one of the victims had his belly ripped open, while another’s toe was severed from his body.
He accused the ZRP of treating the gang with kid gloves, as he alleged that they are seen fraternizing with them.
He called on the Zimbabwe Miners Federation to put its weight behind the miners to find a lasting solution to the violence.
“The situation in Norton has reached another level. We are calling on the Motherboard, and Zimbabwe Miners Federation to intervene, maybe we can save the children of Norton. Everyone is now against the Norton police as they are seen drinking with the gang members,” said the source.
“We have several victims that were attacked by this group and now someone has been killed.”
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation, which represents small scale miners, has expressed concern over the rise in violence and called for action from various security services.
“We need a joint security operation to ensure the safety of miners from these hooligans. The law needs to take its course and bring those culprits to book. Police are needed,” said ZMF MashonalandWest chairperson Timothy Chizuzu in an interview with this reporter.
He said the violence will affect production as Miners will be afraid to go to work, which has an impact on the national gold deliveries in the wake of the 12 billion Mining Industry by 2023.
Small scale miners account for over 60 per cent of gold deliveries to Fidelity.
This is reminiscent of a time when Mashurugwi reigned supreme, last year, which affected national gold deliveries.
“The problem is that if they are left to do as they please, this will affect national gold production as miners fear for their lives. Miners will fear for their security and go into hiding which means there is no production. We need to act quickly to safeguard the security, ” he said.
When reached for comment, Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “I’m currently out of the office please call me later.”
