By A Correspondent
Masvingo – For the past few months, residents’ leaders in Masvingo have been the target of escalating threats after exposing the illegal gold mining activities around the city’s water reservoirs at Tagert Kopje hills. The situation has grown increasingly tense as powerful politicians, allegedly involved in the illegal mining, have reportedly targeted the leaders of the Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) in a bid to silence their efforts.
MURRA Director, Anoziva Muguti, recently revealed that he has been receiving anonymous threats from illegal gold panners who warned of harm to him and his staff. This follows MURRA’s legal battle against the illegal mining operations, which has included reviving a High Court case seeking an interdict to stop the mining activities threatening both the city’s water supply and the safety of its residents.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability, no matter the cost,” Muguti stated firmly.
Muguti’s resolve comes as a response to the ongoing illegal mining activities, which he insists pose a severe risk to the water tanks situated at Tagert Kopje hills. The tanks store over a million cubic liters of water for the city, and the illegal miners are operating dangerously close to these vital resources.
“We will not back down. The people of Masvingo deserve nothing less than clean water and a safe environment,” Muguti asserted.
Residents have raised alarms about the illegal mining’s environmental impact. There are growing concerns that the hazardous chemicals used, such as cyanide, could leak into the water supply, jeopardizing public health. Additionally, fears have emerged that the mining activity beneath the tanks could lead to a catastrophic collapse of the reservoirs, threatening the lives of residents in nearby suburbs, including Majange, Hillside, and Tagert Kopje.
Despite the threats against him, Muguti remains determined to continue MURRA’s fight to stop the illegal mining. He stressed that they are not alone in their efforts.
“We are not alone in this fight. There are countless others who have suffered at the hands of these illegal mining operations. Together, we demand justice and accountability,” Muguti emphasized.
Residents have also reported that the blasting of rocks in the area has caused significant cracks in their homes, heightening fears that the structures could eventually collapse as well.
MURRA has yet to report the threats to the police, as they are still investigating the individuals behind the intimidation. However, Muguti revealed that they have gathered the names of several influential politicians and their families involved in the illegal mining activities. These names, however, will not be disclosed until confirmed through legal proceedings.
“We are taking our time to ensure the right people are held accountable. We will reveal names only once the courts have positively identified them,” Muguti concluded.