BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has collected over US$2 000 in fines for environmental violations within its jurisdiction and in its water catchment areas.
This is revealed in the BCC latest minutes on environmental issues, land degradation in the Greater Bulawayo and water catchment areas.
Council noted that joint patrols were conducted in Umzingwane, Upper and Lower Ncema areas.
“During these patrols, a total of 36 illegal gold panners were arrested (and it) brought the total to 80 as from January 2024 to date,” the minutes read.
“Also, a total of 65 tools were confiscated and handed over to Esigodini police as exhibits.”
Council said in the fight against mineral and sand poaching in Greater Bulawayo, extended operations were conducted mostly in the high-density suburbs.
“This resulted in a total of six scotchcarts being confiscated and five trucks impounded for sand extraction. During these patrols, 35 tickets were issued to various offenders. Out of those, 26 tickets were paid for and a sum of US$2 295 was realised and a balance of nine tickets is outstanding with a total amount US$2 649,72," the minutes read.
“Illegal gold panning is rampant at National University of Science and Technology premises and only a handful of poachers were arrested by the police. The illegal gold panning in Killarney, Emhlangeni and at Khumalo pit has declined due to surveillance patrols which have been intensified in these areas.”
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On the sale of pit sand, council said 50 trucks had been recorded at the two illegal pit sand sites and they were fined and US$500 was realised.
“The repairing of the two roads to the sites need urgent attention,” the minutes read.
