News / National
Illegal miners vacate Dabengwa's gravesite
1 hr ago |
95 Views
Calm has been restored at the gravesite of late former Home Affairs minister and Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa after illegal miners who had been threatening the area vacated the site following public outcry.
Dabengwa, a revered national liberation war hero, died in May 2019 at the age of 79 and was buried alongside his wife, Zodwa, at Emanxeleni in Ntabazinduna. He passed away in Kenya while en route to Zimbabwe from India, where he had sought medical treatment for a liver ailment.
Mabuthweni Ward councillor Haward Phangwana confirmed that peace had returned to the area after concerns raised by villagers were brought to public attention.
"There is now peace following the publishing of that article," Phangwana said.
"The illegal miners (omakorokoza) have vacated the place due to the outcry. They have been instructed to stop their illegal activities."
Phangwana added that local leadership had moved swiftly to engage relevant authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), to restore order and prevent further disturbances.
He noted that police reports had linked rising crime in the area to illegal gold panning activities.
"Police have indicated that they receive a number of cases such as assaults and rape. Some people have even sold their homes to allow illegal miners to carry out mining activities," he said.
Ntabazinduna headman Mathilika Khumalo also confirmed that the situation had stabilised.
"There are no reports of violence for now," Khumalo said.
"Those that are mining here are locals trying to earn a living."
Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo condemned the disturbance of Dabengwa's gravesite, describing it as a serious affront to a national liberation icon. He said the party would engage villagers and stakeholders to find an amicable and lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said police were following up on the matter.
"I'm not aware for now, but we will make a follow-up on the matter," Banda said.
Authorities say continued monitoring and community engagement will be key to preventing a recurrence of illegal mining activities in the area.
Dabengwa, a revered national liberation war hero, died in May 2019 at the age of 79 and was buried alongside his wife, Zodwa, at Emanxeleni in Ntabazinduna. He passed away in Kenya while en route to Zimbabwe from India, where he had sought medical treatment for a liver ailment.
Mabuthweni Ward councillor Haward Phangwana confirmed that peace had returned to the area after concerns raised by villagers were brought to public attention.
"There is now peace following the publishing of that article," Phangwana said.
"The illegal miners (omakorokoza) have vacated the place due to the outcry. They have been instructed to stop their illegal activities."
Phangwana added that local leadership had moved swiftly to engage relevant authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), to restore order and prevent further disturbances.
He noted that police reports had linked rising crime in the area to illegal gold panning activities.
Ntabazinduna headman Mathilika Khumalo also confirmed that the situation had stabilised.
"There are no reports of violence for now," Khumalo said.
"Those that are mining here are locals trying to earn a living."
Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo condemned the disturbance of Dabengwa's gravesite, describing it as a serious affront to a national liberation icon. He said the party would engage villagers and stakeholders to find an amicable and lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said police were following up on the matter.
"I'm not aware for now, but we will make a follow-up on the matter," Banda said.
Authorities say continued monitoring and community engagement will be key to preventing a recurrence of illegal mining activities in the area.
Source - Southern Eye
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
