Filabusi residents alarmed by surge in crimes linked to foreigners

Residents of Filabusi are expressing mounting concern over the alarming rise in criminal activities linked to illegal gold mining in the area, with reports of rape, murder, land degradation, and other forms of social disruption escalating at an alarming rate.

Villagers are living in fear as these illegal miners who are mainly foreigners in Filabusi, known for their violent behavior, mashurugwi continue to cause havoc, with several residents falling victim to violent attacks. In an interview with CITE Youth Hub, Ward 12 Councillor Thedious Mguni shared his deep distress over the situation, highlighting the serious consequences for the local community.

"There are cases of rape where victims are not only assaulted but also murdered. We had an incident between Filabusi Centre and Fred Mine where a person was raped and killed," Mguni said, adding that last year, human remains were discovered in Mthwakazi Township, with strong suspicions that gold panners were behind the tragic incident.

The councillor also pointed to numerous instances of robbery that have been linked to illegal gold mining activities. "One person was robbed and killed in Bekezela Township, Ward 15," he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Another distressing issue raised by Mguni was the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in the area, attributed to the influence of illegal miners who use money to lure young girls. "These illegal miners exploit young girls, leading to a rise in teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)," he explained.

The situation has also fueled tribal tensions, leading to violent clashes between miners. Mguni recounted a deadly fight in Theleka Marubamba area last year, which left one person dead and many others injured.

"The miners divide themselves along tribal lines, creating a dangerous environment. It is not just about mining; it's about the constant threat of violence," Mguni added.

Furthermore, the councillor highlighted the negative impact of illegal mining on the youth, with many abandoning their education in favor of gold panning. "These young people now believe gold panning is the best way to make a living, but this has resulted in many dropping out of school. The miners, often using vulgar language, affect the moral values of these young people," he said. Many of the miners are also armed and frequently engage in criminal activities, further compounding the problem.

Local leaders have made efforts to engage the police, but law enforcement has struggled to make arrests, as the illegal miners frequently relocate to avoid detection.

Bekezela Residents' Chairperson, Sindiso Sibanda, also added his voice to the growing concerns, noting the severe environmental damage caused by the miners. "There is a road from Khayanyama to the heroes' cemetery, but it has been destroyed by gold panners. People, especially drivers, can no longer use it," Sibanda explained.

The impact of the illegal miners is not limited to the environment; licensed miners are also facing challenges as armed illegal miners have started invading their claims.

In response to the crisis, the community has taken steps to address the rising tide of crime. A crime liaison committee has been formed to work closely with the police to take action against the offenders. "Our committee receives reports from community members, and we then coordinate with the police to take action," Sibanda said.

The increasing wave of crime and social disruption caused by illegal gold mining in Filabusi has become a serious concern for residents. The situation demands urgent intervention from both local leadership and law enforcement to restore peace and order to the community.