The Zimbabwe School of Mines has issued a serious security alert to its students and staff, warning them to exercise extreme caution due to a surge in illegal gold panning activities near the Bulawayo City Council pit. Located adjacent to Cecil robots and opposite the New Parklands area, this hotspot for omakorokoza or illegal miners operates day and night, posing a significant threat to public safety.

The school reports an increase in cases of robberies and assaults in the vicinity, affecting both motorists and pedestrians. The illegal miners are posing a risk to people passing by, and the police have recorded cases of robberies and assaults in the area, including in Killarney. In light of this, ZSM advises its community members to avoid unnecessary movement in the affected zones, especially during early morning and evening hours when visibility is low.

To ensure safety, motorists are urged to be on high alert when driving near the site, avoiding stops or picking up passengers, and keeping windows closed and doors locked. It’s also recommended to use registered public transport services and avoid boarding private vehicles. Additionally, individuals are advised against carrying large sums of money and encouraged to report any incidents of crime or suspicious behavior to the authorities.

The school’s warning highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard residents and students in the area. ZSM urges all members of the community to report incidents or suspicious behavior to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Khumalo Police Station, the Killarney Neighborhood Watch Reaction Group, or the ZSM Security Department. This growing concern about rising crime rates and the failure of authorities to clamp down on these operations threatens both public safety and infrastructure.

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