Illegal Sand Mining Reach Alarming Levels

Illegal pit and river sand mining across the country has reached shocking levels and is expected to continue rising as many are still erecting structures.

Mining Zimbabwe reports that some are even invading graveyards in search of sand.

Douglas Utete, secretary for Zinyengere Development Association (ZDA) in Epworth claimed that sand poachers have destroyed several graves, with remains being tossed into a nearby dam. Utete said:

It is a sorry state. Graves have been opened by these sand poachers and some of the remains are being thrown into the nearby dam. The dam happens to be the source of water for drinking and other domestic use for this community.

Mining Zimbabwe reports that The Sunday Mail Society and ZDA officials were recently assaulted by angry sand poachers after visiting the desecrated cemetery.

The publication also reports that local residents and police have also been attacked by machete-wielding poachers.
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