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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu , Gwanda Correspondent
POLICE in Matabeleland South Province are set to launch an operation against illegal activities in a bid to reduce crime in the province.

In an interview, the provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said the operation will target illegal mining activities which have been mainly reported in Gwanda and Esigodini areas.

He, however, assured members of the public that the situation was under control.

Residents of Esigodini have complained about the increasing cases of violence that has led to the death of several people and they blame the violence on artisanal miners.

The residents accuse the police of failing to rein in the violent gangs that have turned the mining town into a ‘war zone’.

“We want to assure members of the public that the police are in total control of the situation despite the many reports of violence.

“In the past two weeks we recorded four murder cases — two in Gwanda, two in Esigodini — and we have made arrests in three of these cases.

“We are going to engage in an operation targeting illegal activities and hotspots in the province such as illegal mining activities and Esigodini won’t be spared as it is one of the hotspots.

“This operation will be undertaken soon and we are confident it will be effective. Let me warn those engaging in illegal activities that the law will soon catch up with them,” said Chief Insp Ndebele.

He urged opinion leaders and traditional leaders to approach the police if they have any grievances or information that could assist in fighting crime.

Chief Insp Ndebele said as part of measures to fight crime, employers must verify particulars of potential employees before hiring them.

He said in a murder case reported in Esigodini a few days ago, police failed to track a man who allegedly killed his wife as his employer did not have his particulars.

Residents from Esigodini on Monday held a demonstration to protest against increasing cases of violence in Habane suburb. — @DubeMatutu