ZRP Arrests 79 Suspects In Major Mazowe Illegal Mining Crackdown

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says 79 suspects were arrested during a large-scale operation targeting illegal mining activities and violent crimes in the Mazowe mining areas on May 10, 2026.

The crackdown focused on criminal offences, including murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, environmental destruction, and damage to public infrastructure in areas such as Storeys, Jumbo Mine, and surrounding communities in Mashonaland Central Province. According to a statement posted on the official Zimbabwe Republic Police X account, police teams conducted coordinated raids across illegal mining settlements and recovered heavy mining equipment allegedly being used in unlawful gold extraction operations.

In a statement shared after the operation, the ZRP said:

“The ZRP has conducted a massive operation against criminal acts such as murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, among others in Mazowe mining areas.”

Police confirmed the recovery of:

• 30 excavators

• 10 generators

• Seven hammer mills

• Six windlers

• Three submersible pumps

• 20 water tanks

Authorities say some of the recovered equipment is believed to have been used in illegal alluvial gold mining activities that have caused extensive environmental damage in the area.

The operation also targeted the destruction of roads, railway lines, and water infrastructure allegedly linked to illegal mining syndicates.

“The operation also targeted land degradation, soil erosion, destruction of railway infrastructure, road and water systems,” the police said.

According to the ZRP, four suspects were specifically arrested for allegedly damaging railway infrastructure.

Mazowe remains one of Zimbabwe’s major gold-rich regions, but illegal mining activities have increasingly raised concerns over violence, environmental degradation, and unsafe mining practices. Environmental experts say uncontrolled alluvial mining has contributed to river siltation, destruction of farmland, and water pollution in parts of Mashonaland Central. Harare-based environmental management consultant Engineer Tinashe Moyo said stronger enforcement was needed to protect local ecosystems and public infrastructure.

“Illegal mining is causing severe environmental degradation in many parts of Zimbabwe. Rivers are being polluted, roads are damaged and agricultural land is being destroyed. Sustained enforcement operations are necessary,” he said.

Residents in Mazowe have also complained about rising criminal activity around illegal mining settlements. A local shop owner in Jumbo Mine, who declined to be named for security reasons, said violent crimes had increased in recent months.

“People are living in fear because of robberies and fights linked to illegal mining gangs. Police presence has improved during this operation,” the resident said.

Police confirmed that both Zimbabwean citizens and foreign nationals were among those arrested in Storeys, Mazowe. Authorities allege the suspects were involved in illegal alluvial mining operations that negatively affected agriculture facilities and local water systems.

“Some foreign nationals and Zimbabweans were arrested in Storeys area, Mazowe for alluvial mining which affected the water system and agriculture facilities,” the ZRP said.

The identities and nationalities of the foreign suspects had not yet been released by the time of publication.

The police operation also targeted illegal alcohol trading points commonly known as shebeens, which authorities say often become centres for criminal activity in mining communities. Police confiscated several kilograms of meat, alcohol, illicit brews, and groceries during the raids.

“The ZRP dismantled shebeens and confiscated several kgs of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and groceries,” the statement read.

The Mazowe operation comes as the government intensifies nationwide crackdowns on illegal mining syndicates and organised crime in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Mazowe illegal mining crackdown