By A Correspondent- On Monday, the 16th of September, there was a fierce battle between Bindura residents and maShurugwi.
Different organizations and the community held a six hour meeting at Chipadze business centre, in Tendai hall, figuring out how best they can get rid of maShurugwi.
It is said that maShurugwi groups are terrorising people, blocking roads and robbing innocent citizens. If ZRP personnel tries to assist, maShurugwi- korokozas are said to attack them (ZRP) at their homes or whilst alone.
The environment is now unfriendly for ZRP personnel to execute their duties. Last year, in 2018, the maShurugwi-korokozas attacked and killed the Army personnel.
It is said that makorokoza are bathing in broad daylight in full glare of the community at local boreholes. They rob the community members at night. They also raid and rob gold claims taking gold ore, machinery and money. They rape women at night and at knife point. They also raid sex workers taking their money and sleeping with them for no payment.
Buildings and houses that were used as accommodation by maShurugwi were demolished. Bindura residents vowed they will not stop fighting this war until the state has intervened for the better.
A lot is happening which is covered by the darkness of the night. On the 16th of September, the Bindura residents joined hands and chased maShurugwi out of the neighborhood. Some of the mashurugwi ran away, some were captured. Their cars and properties were destroyed.
In fighting back, it has been said that maShurugwi-korokozas have poisoned piped water at the Bindura water treatment plant. The residents are still waiting to hear from the council officials. This might be the beginning of a new civil conflict.
The Bindura-Mashonaland Central residents is appealing from the national community to join hands against MaShurugwi-korokozas. This must be controlled. Mashonaland Central Residents association also kindly appeals to all stakeholders who intend to bring (new) outsiders into the province to stop or delay. Worrying for their security, might end up forced to ward off innocent people out of their territory. The situation is so bad and will be more if left unresolved.
Patrols have been set around Mashonaland Central Districts, much concentration on Mazowe mine area, Shamva and Bindura. Forewarned is being fore-armed.
If you have any information that leads to the maShurugwi-korokozas whereabouts, just report to the nearby police station or contact the Bindura Gold Buyers Association. Your identity will be protected.