ZRP Arrests 79 Suspects In Massive Mazowe Mining Crackdown
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says 79 suspects were arrested during a massive operation targeting criminal activities and illegal mining operations in the Mazowe mining areas. The police said the blitz targeted offences including murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, destruction of infrastructure and environmental damage in areas such as Storeys, Jumbo Mine and surrounding communities.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police official X account, the operation was conducted on May 10, 2026, and resulted in the recovery of mining equipment, generators, water tanks and other property allegedly linked to illegal activities.
In a statement shared on X, the police said:
“The ZRP has conducted a massive operation against criminal acts such as murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, among others in Mazowe mining areas.”
The police added that the operation also focused on environmental destruction and damage to public infrastructure.
Police Target Illegal Mining And Infrastructure Damage
The ZRP said the operation specifically targeted land degradation, soil erosion and the destruction of railway infrastructure, roads and water systems in Mazowe.
Police said four of the arrested suspects were specifically linked to damage to railway infrastructure.
In the statement, the police said:
“The operation also targeted land degradation, soil erosion, destruction of railway infrastructure, road and water systems.”
The ZRP also confirmed the recovery of several items during the raids. These included 30 excavators, 10 generators, seven hammer mills, six windlers, three submersible pumps and 20 water tanks.
Pictures shared by the police on X showed officers in the mining areas and some of the equipment that was allegedly recovered during the operation.
Foreign Nationals Among Arrested Suspects
The police said both Zimbabwean citizens and foreign nationals were arrested in Storeys, Mazowe, where authorities allege alluvial mining activities had negatively affected agriculture facilities and local water systems.
The ZRP said:
“Some foreign nationals and Zimbabweans were arrested in Storeys area, Mazowe for alluvial mining which affected the water system and agriculture facilities.”
Authorities did not immediately release the identities or nationalities of the foreign nationals who were arrested.
Illegal mining activities have become a major concern in several parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in gold-rich areas where miners often operate without licences or environmental safeguards.
Shebeens Dismantled During Raids
The operation also targeted illegal alcohol trading points commonly known as shebeens.
According to the police, officers confiscated several kilograms of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and groceries during the raids.
In the statement, the ZRP said:
“The ZRP dismantled shebeens and confiscated several kgs of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and groceries.”
The police added that authorities believe some of the activities taking place in the mining settlements were contributing to criminal activity in the area.
The operation comes amid continued police crackdowns on illegal mining syndicates and organised criminal activities across Zimbabwe’s mining communities.
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