SYDNEY MUBAIWA
LOWER GWERU- Chief Bunina Chisadza born Jabulani Madubeko Moyo has bemoaned a surge in violent crimes involving artisanal miners and local villagers in Buda and Makepesi area.
Chief Chisadza expressed deep concern over the increasing number of murder cases in his area of jurisdiction involving artisanal miners and villagers.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, the traditional leader called for urgent community engagement and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms to stem the loss of precious lives.
“People are taking each other’s lives over petty disputes that could be easily resolved through dialogue.
“There is a dire need to restore and respect the sanctity of human life,” he said.
The surge in murder cases involving the use of dangerous weapons especially in mining areas around Gweru district has prompted police to issue a prohibition order.
The order banning the carrying of dangerous weapons like machetes, knobkerries, swords, daggers, catapults, knives and spears was issued recently.
The traditional leader also bemoaned rampant deforestation and environmental degradation in Lower Gweru.
He said most of the culprits were illegal artisanal miners and illegal firewood traders from Gweru City.
“We are also concerned over the rate at which we are losing our environment, especially forests. Most of the culprits are these illegal miners and illegal firewood traders from the city of Gweru. The challenge is worrisome and it needs the attention of every stakeholder in the district,” he said.
