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

BDP leaves Balopi out in the cold

Larona Makhaiza | 19 h ago

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Mbongeni Mguni | 19 h ago

BNF mourns benign, fearless Akambakamba

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 21 h ago

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Mbongeni Mguni | 21 h ago

Rollers spend P1.2m to settle FIFA debts

Kabelo Boranabi | 22 h ago

'Machine' expected to take over Zebras role

Mqondisi Dube | 22 h ago

Chess team embarks on Olympiad quest

Calistus Kolantsho | 23 h ago

Tebogo carries memories, Kebinatshipi chases history in Budapest

Calistus Kolantsho | 23 h ago

Rising abortion figures demand urgent action

Instead, they should serve as a warning to health authorities, community leaders, and policymakers that something is not right. According to the Palapye District Development Committee’s latest report, 130 abortion cases were recorded between April and June 2026.On the face of it, the overall figure may represent a decline from the preceding quarter. However, going deeper into the figures, the monthly trend tells a different and more worrying...

The Monitor Editor | 08 September 2026

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.

Illegal gold miners employ new tricks

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.

Explore

More

BDP leaves Balopi out in the cold

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

BNF mourns benign, fearless Akambakamba

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Rollers spend P1.2m to settle FIFA debts

'Machine' expected to take over Zebras role

Chess team embarks on Olympiad quest

Tebogo carries memories, Kebinatshipi chases history in Budapest

Rising abortion figures demand urgent action