By Priscilla Moyo
Residents of Filabusi are growing increasingly concerned about the surge in crimes associated with illegal gold miners, with reports of rape, murder, and land degradation disrupting the community.
Villagers live in constant fear as these illegal miners wreak havoc, with some residents falling victim to violent attacks.
In an interview with CITE Youth Hub, Ward 12 Councillor Thedious Mguni expressed deep concern over the escalating situation.
โThere are cases of rape where victims are not only assaulted but also murdered. We had an incident between Filabusi Centre and Fred Mine where a person was raped and killed,โ he said.
โLast year, we discovered human remains in Mthwakazi Township, and we strongly suspect that gold panners were behind the incident.โ
Mguni also highlighted numerous cases of robbery linked to illegal gold miners.
โOne person was robbed and killed in Bekezela Township, Ward 15,โ he added.
Another major concern raised by the councillor is the rise in teenage pregnancies.
โThese illegal miners use money to lure young girls, leading to a rise in teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs),โ he explained.
Tribal tensions among the miners have also resulted in violent clashes.
โThey divide themselves along tribal lines. Last year, a deadly fight broke out in Theleka Marubamba area, leaving many injured and one man dead,โ Mguni said.
The councillor also lamented the negative influence of illegal mining on the youth.
โMany young people now believe gold panning is the best way to make a living, leading them to drop out of school. These miners frequently use vulgar language, which affects young peopleโs moral values (Ubuntu). They also move around carrying dangerous weapons and committing crimes,โ he said.
According to Mguni, local leaders have tried to engage the police, but efforts to make arrests have been difficult as the illegal miners frequently relocate.
Bekezela Residentsโ Chairperson Sindiso Sibanda added that illegal miners have also caused severe land degradation in the area.
โThere is a road from Khayanyama to the heroesโ cemetery, but it has been destroyed by gold panners. People, especially drivers, can no longer use it,โ he said.
Sibanda further noted that licensed miners are also facing challenges, as armed illegal miners have begun invading their claims.
In response to the crisis, the community has established a crime liaison committee to address the issue.
โOur committee receives reports from community members, and we then coordinate with the police to take action,โ he explained.
The increasing crime and social disruption caused by illegal gold mining in Filabusi have become a serious concern for residents. Addressing these challenges requires urgent intervention from both local leadership and law enforcement.
