Following an exclusive expose’ by ZimEye which began in February this year, the Zimbabwe Republic  Police has announced arrests.

The investigation began in February when ZimEye revealed the presence of mashurugwis operating under a man aligned to CIO minister Owen Ncube. On Monday ZimEye reported recent mass murders in Mazowe.

The police together with the minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe have announced they have launched raids to arrest the miners.

Matabeleland North is topping the list of the illegal miners arrested with 546, while Bulawayo had the least with 27.

Mashonaland East had 53, Midlands (200), Harare (200), Manicaland (42), Masvingo (46), Mashonaland Central (83), Matabeleland South (147) and Mashonaland West (186) illegal miners arrested.

“We have met with our Mines and Mining Development ministry counterparts and the police commanders today to discuss the tropical issues of the machete wielding gangs. The media is awash with stories of machete wielding gang wars and this is worrisome to us as we want peace and security to prevail.

“We will continue with the raids because we are saying Zimbabwe is open for business. We cannot attract investors if law and order is not prevailing in the country. We have moved a gear up in the raids as these issues are of a security threat,” said Minister Kazembe.