Policeman confiscate gold detectors

SMALL-SCALE miners in Gwanda District are crying foul after police started confiscating their metal detectors in an operation which started last week.

Most artisanal miners in the district use metal detectors that have become the mining tool of choice in gold-rich Matabeleland South as they make it easier for them to find gold nuggets.

But the miners say the police crackdown is threatening their livelihoods.

The miners said police informed them that the operation was aimed at ensuring that all metal detectors were registered for tax purposes and that those who possess them should have registered mines.

Gwanda Youth in Mining chairperson Philemon Mokuele said: "Most of our youths are unemployed and this operation has worsened the situation. We were never given a chance to meet the law enforcing agents despite our efforts to do so. All along we've been taking these detectors as tools just like shovels and compressors.

"We've been working with some women miners who sometimes hire these detectors but now operations have been affected. We hope the issue will be addressed sooner so that we continue contributing to the economy."

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele referred all questions to the national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Nyathi, who was unreachable.