Residents of Filabusi in Matabeleland South are urging the Ministry of Mines and other authorities to tackle systemic problems fueling violence in the mining sector.
They are calling for stricter documentation procedures, measures to prevent duplicate claims, and greater social responsibility among miners.
In February last year, six people were arrested after violence broke out at Theleka Business Centre in Filabusi, following clashes between villagers and illegal miners.
The incident, which occurred on February 28, was sparked by disputes over gold claims.
Community members said a group of illegal miners descended on the area and unleashed an orgy of violence targeting locals.
A group of villagers teamed up and confronted the gang, resulting in violent clashes. Four people were reportedly injured during the clashes.
In an interview with CITE, local businessman and miner Mkhululi Ncube voiced frustration at the growing number of disputes over mining claims.
“You find out that I have been working my mine for 20 years, then someone comes with new papers, and violence erupts as we fight for the place,” he said.
Ncube highlighted inconsistencies in official procedures, saying that miners were recently told by the Ministry of Mines that no new claims were being pegged, yet outsiders still arrived with documentation.
He stressed the importance of proper record-keeping and called on employers to thoroughly vet their workers.
“When the employers hire people they should find out about their employees, if they are good people or not,” he said.
He also raised concerns about young people abandoning school to pursue mining, warning that sudden income often leads to risky behaviour.
Sindiso Sibanda, chairperson of the Filabusi Residents’ Association, corroborated the widespread concern about violence, attributing some problems to poor employment practices within mines.
“Miners employ people without national identity cards from faraway places, and when crimes occur, they cannot be traced,” he said.
Sibanda also cited administrative failings, noting that Mines offices sometimes issue certificates to multiple people for the same mine, creating tension and conflict. He warned that public displays of newfound wealth, such as spending money openly, attract robbery.
“When people get their money, they go to public places showcasing it, which then attracts robbers and they end up being robbed,” he said.
Community members say the ripple effects of mining violence extend beyond the mines themselves. Sibongile Sibanda said unemployment fuels aggression and criminal behaviour among miners.
“We have a crisis, there is too much violence in our communities which is caused by unemployment,” she said.
“Those in mining, especially young men, buy alcohol and weapons when they get money, and they fight each other. There is no respect, and their future and culture have been disturbed.”
She added that violence originating in mines often spills into public spaces such as beerhalls, creating wider insecurity.
Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, spokesperson for Matabeleland South Police, said that assault, robbery, ownership disputes, and sometimes murder are the most common crimes linked to mining. She said conflicts are often triggered by gold rushes, scarcity of gold, drug abuse, infidelity, and petty quarrels over beer.
“There are also limited job opportunities in mining areas and competition for resources, which leads to endless fights,” she said.
“As the Police, we conduct proactive policing with awareness campaigns, patrols, and engagement with mine owners to reduce crime. We also investigate and make arrests when crimes are committed.”
Dosman Mangisi, from the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, acknowledged the prevalence of violence, linking it to lack of formalisation and education rather than the Ministry itself.
“Yes, there is violence in the mining industry. Usually, it’s less about the Ministry of Mines and more about lack of understanding and formalisation. There is a need for outreach with community leaders like chiefs,” he said.
“I would appreciate Chief Maduna in Filabusi, who is advocating for non-violence in communities. Zimbabweans should unite and recognise that they are one,” he added.
Ministry of Mines officials did not respond when sought for a comment.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today