The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a major enforcement operation in Mazowe’s mining areas, resulting in the arrest of 79 suspects linked to illegal mining and other criminal activities.

The sweeping operation, conducted in hotspot areas including Storeys and Jumbo Mine, was aimed at curbing a rise in violent crimes such as murder, robbery and stock theft, while also addressing widespread environmental destruction caused by unregulated mining activities.

Police said the crackdown targeted illegal alluvial mining operations that have contributed to severe land degradation, soil erosion and the destruction of water sources and agricultural infrastructure in the area.

Among those arrested were four suspects accused of vandalising critical railway infrastructure. Both Zimbabwean nationals and foreign citizens were also apprehended for allegedly participating in illegal mining activities.

During the operation, police recovered a significant amount of heavy machinery and mining equipment believed to have been used in the illicit extraction of minerals. The seized equipment included 30 excavators, 10 generators, seven hammer mills, six winders, water tanks and several submersible pumps.

Authorities said the illegal mining operations have caused extensive ecological damage, particularly through the destruction of river systems and surrounding farmland.

The ZRP said the operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to restore order in mining communities, protect public infrastructure and combat organised criminal syndicates operating in the sector.

Police also warned individuals involved in illegal mining and related criminal activities that law enforcement agencies will continue intensifying operations across the country to safeguard communities and the environment.

A 32-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing fraud allegations after allegedly using forged identity documents and fake payslips to secure loans from a financial institution.

John Chirine appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Michael Mafukidze on two counts of fraud and was released on US$300 bail.

According to the State, the complainant is Innbucks Microbank Limited, represented by the institution’s Head of Risk, Mr Marcos Mupingo.

Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that on April 26, 2026, Chirine allegedly used a counterfeit national identity card and a fake Natpack Flexibles payslip bearing the name Brandon Benhura to apply for a loan.

The court heard that Chirine allegedly visited Innbucks Microbank offices in Borrowdale, Harare, pretending to be Brandon Benhura and applied for a loan amounting to US$3 321.

It is alleged the financial institution processed the application and transferred the funds into an NMB Bank account allegedly linked to Chirine, who then reportedly withdrew the money for personal use.

In a second incident, prosecutors allege that on May 5, 2026, Chirine again attempted to secure another loan using forged documents, this time posing as Isaac Machingura.

He allegedly submitted another fake Natpack Flexibles payslip together with a counterfeit national identity card while applying for a US$6 300 loan from the same institution.

However, the alleged scam was reportedly uncovered before the funds could be released, prompting the institution to block the transaction and alert the police.

Authorities later arrested Chirine following investigations into the matter.
The court heard that Innbucks Microbank suffered a loss of US$3 321 as a result of the alleged fraud.

Itai Mazire

Police has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to a series of armed robberies in Nyabira, following a dramatic early morning incident that saw community members pursue and apprehend one of the alleged criminals.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said confirmed the arrest of seven suspects, Malvin Mohammed Maisiri (32), Leonard Mahwindo (26), Tension Mahwindo (26), Heavens Chimupenga (17), Moffat Mango (50), Kudakwashe Munemo (29) and Goodwill Muchimba (39), in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred in Nyabira.

The arrests stem from an armed robbery on 5 May 2026 at around 0300 hours at a house in Nyabira.

According to police, the suspects allegedly attacked the complainant while demanding cash and valuables before ransacking the house.

Commissioner Nyathi said the complainant alerted police who swiftly mobilised and proceeded to the scene where they found the suspect still inside the house.

Upon noticing approaching residents, the suspects attempted to flee.

However, members of the public pursued and apprehended one suspect, Mohammed Hamandishe. A Retay pistol, nine live rounds, four blank rounds and two pistol magazines were subsequently recovered from him.

The detained suspect implicated his accomplices, leading to their subsequent arrest in Nyabira and Chitungwiza.

Police recovered a Tokarev pistol, a magazine and one live round of ammunition, a bolt cutter and a bicycle, among other items.

The seven suspects are currently clearing three other armed robbery cases that occurred on 26 April 2026 in Nyabira, where cash and household goods were stolen.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the Nyabira community for their swift and courageous response, which led to the arrest of one of the suspects,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Police are continuing their investigation.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of outstanding suspects only identified as ‘Good’ and ‘Nyasha’. Anyone with information is urged to contact their nearest police station.”