Zimbabwe gold scramble

THOUSANDS of panners have descended on Doves Area in Inyathi, Bubi District, following the discovery of gold deposits in the area almost a month ago.

A Chronicle news crew visited the area, about a kilometre from Pinafore Mine, around 5PM yesterday and found more than 100 people, some with metal detectors, rounding up the day's "operations" and heading towards different directions.

A few were still moving around with the hope of making a last minute discovery.

On the way to the site, the Chronicle news crew came across more than 10 vehicles, some of them top of the range coming from the area. It was learnt that some rich business people hire panners that they ferry to and from the site.

Investigations by this paper revealed that the gold was discovered by panners employed by a man identified only as Byron on June 16 and the first people to dig were said to be realising substantial amount of gold per day.

The gold rush subsequently attracted panners from as far as Mutare, Gwanda, Gweru and even Harare.

The panners find accommodation in the nearby plots and compounds while some sleep in the open.

Others are said to be dancing the nights away at local watering holes.

"Byron's boys discovered the gold almost a month ago. The first people to come here claim to have got as much as 17 kilogrammes while another reportedly got 10 kilogrammes," said a panner who identified himself as Gagisa.

"In the first days there were thousands of people here and the numbers started decreasing after three raids by police two weeks ago. In the afternoon you can find up to a thousand people but now people are no longer getting as much."

Gagisa said there was violence during the first days and one panner was struck by a pick on the head.

"There were isolated incidents of violence and one was struck by a pick on the head over a dispute involving money. The panner was taken to hospital," he said.

Another panner who declined to be named said one did not just walk in and start digging for gold as there were laid down "procedures."

"This place belongs to Ncube and Byron. You come here and talk to Byron's boys who then grant you permission to pan for gold. Whatever you get, a percentage goes to Ncube and Byron," said the panner.

Police sources said the raids were done to restore sanity in the area, but they have not been able to stop the rush.

"After the discovery of gold, panners from as far as Shurugwi came to Inyathi. They were invading people's properties with gold detectors looking for the precious minerals," said the police source.

Contacted for comment Matabeleland North Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese referred questions to national police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba.

Snr Asst Com Charamba was however not reachable for comment.

While still in the area, the news crew came across women selling food stuffs and various wares.

The ladies of the night also got wind of the gold rush and made a pilgrimage to the area.

"There is a shopping centre about six kilometres from the site. There you find all sorts of ladies of the night ready to provide pleasure at a fee. Some panners who have no places to sleep buy the services of these women and spend the night at their lodgings," said another panner, Mbuso Jubane.

"Some of the women you see vending in the afternoon engage in prostitution at night. Everyone is trying to make a living."