Residents in Mahatshula, a suburb in Zimbabwe’s second largest city have adapted to fear as their new normal. Artisanal miners have not only become a threat to the environment but to the community members as a whole.
The new settlement of the artisanal miners in the community has drastically escalated the vulnerability of the girl child whom is feared can fall prey to many forms of abuse.
Community members have constantly reported the issue to the responsible authorities but the situation has remained the same.
Residents further complained of the noise levels that come from the new mining sites. The number of break-ins and kidnappings increased. This bringing to knowledge that the activities of artisanal miners have opened doors to other criminal offenses.
