57000 MaShurugwi arrested as police attempt to wipe off chikorokoza
In an ongoing operation code-named ‘Chikorokoza Ngachipere/Isitsheketsha Kasiphele’ (No To Machette Gangs) the Zimbabwe Republic Police said they have arrested nearly 57 000 people.
Machette gangs who are popularly known as MASHURUGWI in street lingo, have been the subject of concern among many people in the country during the last few years mostly for the unrivalled levels of crime and violence they perpetrate in mining communities.
iHarare established from The Herald that the police have since arrested close to 57 000 mashurugwi, illegal gangs and other criminal elements since the beginning of this year.
In February, the government launched the Chikorokoza Ngachipere operation in a bid to end gang violence and illegal gold panning.
During the commissioning of the operation, Minister of Defense Oppah Muchinguri said the ministry of mines would be called in to regularise mining activities soon after Chikorokoza Ngachipere operation ends.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday issued a statement vowing to continue with the operation until there was order prevailing in the country.
The ZRP has arrested 56 764 people in the ‘Operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere/Isitsheketsha Kasiphele’ and ‘No to Machete Gangs’. Offences range from failure to comply with Covid-19 regulations, criminal trespass and others, he said.
The majority of those who were arrested were released after paying fines as there was little or no evidence to suggest they had committed criminal offences. While a few others were sent to court for prosecution.
–iHarare
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