Machete-wielding “miners” popularly known as Mashurugwi, who started off as artisanal miners later transforming into criminal masterminds have become a formidable force in Zimbabwe and their existence is becoming an imminent threat to national security if the police continue to be reluctant in dealing with this issue, one security personnel has said.
Rudairo Mapuranga
The police should work with the community to identify these people because if they are not controlled now, the country is breeding a Potential terror force that is going to control certain areas like what is happening in the Middle East, the security personnel told Mining Zimbabwe.
Recently there was a fierce battle between Bindura and Glendale residents and the machete-wielding miners were residents reportedly fought the group because it has been constantly terrorising people and robbing innocent citizens. The groups have been reported attacking the police in Bindura and earlier this year, the notorious gang also killed army personnel in Bindura whilst severely injuring two others.
‘‘The environment is now unfriendly for ZRP personnel to execute their duties. Last year, the Mashurugwi-Korokozas attacked and killed the Army personnel.’’
According to a statement released by Mashonaland Central residents, the Makorokoza are bathing in broad daylight in full glare of the community at local boreholes. The Mashurugwi are also well known for robbing the community at night and raiding gold claims, confiscating gold ore, machinery and money. As if this is not enough, these unruly menaces rape women of the night threatening them with knives, raiding and forcefully taking their money.
The Mashonaland Central residents said that buildings and houses that were used as accommodation by the Mashurugwi were demolished by Bindura residents who vowed that they will not stop fighting this war until the state has intervened and the menacing groups are gone.
‘‘A lot is happening in the darkness of the night, on the 16th of September 2019, the Bindura residents joined hands and chased the Mashurugwi out of the neighbourhood. Some of the gang members ran away and some were captured. Their cars and properties were destroyed’’, said Mashonaland central residents.
According to Mashonaland Central residents association, their definitive act of resisting the Mashurugwi’s invasion led the notorious gang to poison the Bindura water treatment plant. The Bindura Town Council tested the water and assured the residents the water was safe after conducting tests using the Freda Rebecca Mine Labs. Nevertheless, this could be the beginning of a new civil conflict, if left unchecked.
The Bindura-Mashonaland Central residents are appealing to the national community to join hands in fighting the Mashurugwi-korokozas. The Mashonaland Central Residents Association is also kindly appealing to all stakeholders who intend to invite outsiders into the province to delay these invitations until the Mashurugwi are tamed.