Decriminalise artisinal miners

Josphat Makaza/joemakaza@gmail.com./3.4.2018

Whilst Zimbabweans are anxiously waiting for the formalisation and recognition of artisanal miners through the proposed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill the formalisation of miners had became a cause of concern in Marange, Chiadzwa diamond area. The hardworking miners are experiencing all forms of torture in the hands security personnel manning the area. Despite being beaten and attacked by security officers dogs they are spending nights of torture under police custody at diamond base station. They are fined US$10 to US$50 for trespassing at Bambazonke police station. It sad to note that some miners living in the poverty stricken area are selling their goods to pay for the fine.
The miners who according to community based organisations, civil society groups and government said to contribute to economic development are tortured, fined and others losing their lives. Zimbabwe is amongst the countries that have failed to domesticate the African Mining Vision despite its calls to legalise artisanal and small scale miners.