Duo convicted over unlicensed mining explosives

Two Harare men have been convicted after being found in possession of commercial explosives without the required permits, in a police operation targeting illegal mining and related criminal activity.

Peter Heri (44) and Tadious Tavaziva (32) were arrested on 22 May in Mabvuku during a targeted sweep dubbed Operation Iron Fist, carried out by detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU).

Authorities said the operation is part of a wider national crackdown on the unlawful possession, trade and use of regulated explosives, which are often linked to illegal mining activities.

During the raid, police recovered what they described as a "movable magazine" used for storing blasting materials, along with a significant cache of explosives and accessories.

The recovered items included 12 capped fuses, 14 electric detonators, two non-electric detonators, more than 10 kilogrammes of superpower explosives, 90 cartridges, and a 45-metre detonating cord.

The two accused were charged under the Explosives Act for unlawful possession of explosives without authorisation.

They have since been convicted and are expected to be sentenced on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities say such enforcement operations will continue as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of dangerous materials in civilian hands.