BCC, Police intensify crackdown on illegal mining

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC), in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has intensified efforts to curb illegal gold panning, sand poaching and wood harvesting, conducting more than 1 500 patrols in water catchment areas since January.

The joint operations, mainly carried out in Matabeleland South and Greater Bulawayo, come amid rising concerns over environmental degradation that has reduced rainwater inflows into the city's supply dams, threatening water security.

According to the latest council minutes, 1 519 patrols have been conducted to date, including 66 surveillance patrols recently undertaken by BCC rangers and police in Esigodini.

During the operations, three illegal gold panners were arrested and handed over to the Esigodini courts for prosecution. Authorities also confiscated 73 tools, which were submitted to police as evidence.

BCC housing and community services director Dictor Khumalo briefed a full council meeting on the environmental enforcement measures.

"During these patrols, three illegal gold panners were arrested and handed over to the Esigodini courts for prosecution. A total of 73 tools were confiscated and handed over to Esigodini police as exhibits," the minutes read.

In Greater Bulawayo, authorities targeted illegal mining, sand poaching and wood harvesting. Three trucks were impounded for extracting sand without authorisation.

Council issued 55 tickets for various offences, of which 51 have been paid, generating US$2 824,41. Four tickets, valued at US$1 278,70, remain outstanding.

Wood poaching remains a significant concern, particularly in areas near peri-urban suburbs. Rangers impounded one truck, a scotch cart and a Scania truck for the illegal transportation and sale of firewood.

Council noted that surveillance patrols indicate illegal gold panning activities are gradually declining.

In December alone, 54 surveillance patrols were conducted. Meanwhile, 21 trucks collected pit sand from designated council extraction sites, generating US$3 300 in revenue. A total of 346 trucks have been recorded collecting sand in 2025 so far.

The council also reported that 1 382 items were submitted for auction during sales held on December 18 and 19, 2025.

However, BCC continues to grapple with other environmental and urban management challenges, including the growing donkey menace in suburbs such as Cowdray Park, Pumula and Magwegwe North, which border peri-urban areas.

Authorities say sustained enforcement operations will continue to safeguard the city's water sources and protect natural resources from further degradation.