MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Larry Mavima has implored small-scale miners from the province to desist from engaging in violence.

Miners in the province are constantly involved in machete fights as turf wars over shafts continue to rise in the mining towns like Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Zhombe and Kwekwe.

Speaking during the launch of a mechanisation programme initiated by the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and Pablo’s Investments, Minister Mavima said the increase in turf wars was worrisome.

“I want to encourage small-scale miners to shun greed and violent behaviour, as such kind of behaviour is stifling production. Robberies, thuggery life, machete attacks any form of violence has no place in the mining sector. The increase of violence is worrisome and we are working hard to put a stop to such behaviour,” he said.

He said miners should stick to their claims and not mine beyond their designated areas.State media