By Own Correspondent- Joint operations between the army and police to suppress the machete wars at Gaika mine are also involved in illegal activities, a senior official has revealed.

The director of the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) that operates from Kwekwe, Obert Chinhamo said:

It’s indeed true that police officers and soldiers are now guarding the mine (Gaika) after the High Court order against Vongaishe Mupereri, but themselves (soldiers and police officers) are carrying out illegal mining activities and receiving bribes from illegal miners who continue (with) mining activities during the night.

For instance, Danmore Nyashanu, a ZRP Support Unit operative, was arrested and appeared in court after he took advantage of his position to conduct mining activities and allegedly steal gold ore.

It’s sad when law enforcement agents are involved in illegal activities. This just demonstrates the systemic nature of corruption in Zimbabwe.

The Standard claims that the Police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the joint operations between the army and police. Nyathi is believed to have said:

There is nothing sinister with the police seeking the assistance of its sister security arm to thwart any cases of machete violence.

It is in line with the constitution and the deployments will continue in order to protect property of citizens and their rights (sic).-Standard