mmegi

Illegal gold miners employ new tricks

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 | 5750 Views |

Rising menace: Illegal gold mining is rife in Francistown, where the precious metal was first discovered in the 1800s

FRANCISTOWN: Police in Matsiloje say they have noticed a new trend where illegal gold miners (popularly known as zama zamas) in Matsiloje are now using metal detectors to dig virgin land in search of gold, as opposed to their usual tactic of targeting disused mining areas.

Illegal gold mining has been a source of concern to police in Matsiloje village for some time. Matsiloje is home to several old mines and deposits that ceased operations decades ago. The village is situated along the Zimbabwean border, from where the majority of the illegal gold miners originate.

So severe is the invasion of illegal gold miners in the area that police are arresting up to three per week, while cases constantly feature in the courts.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

gold mine

Ngada to pip seasoned campaigners for AFCON place?

Kabelo Boranabi | 17 m ago

Oneal R&B orchestra shares African story

Lucy Kgweetsi | 42 m ago

Yarona FM to host Just Kidding Fam Fest

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | 47 m ago

Softball Spectacular to quench players’ thirst

Calistus Kolantsho | 51 m ago

Zebras to camp in Tunisia ahead of AFCON finals

Mqondisi Dube | 56 m ago

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Larona Makhaiza | 14 h ago

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

correspondent | 18 h ago

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

Laone Choeunyane | 21 h ago

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

The Monitor Editor | 02 December 2025

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More