By Tanaka Chare
GWERU: A total of 144 murder cases were resolved by the High Court in the Midlands, with most of the cases being linked to artisanal mining activities across the province.
The province has witnessed a surge in artisanal mining activities in recent years, with many young people turning to the sector in search of employment and economic opportunities.
However, the rise in violence and crime has raised concerns on the need for increased regulation and law enforcement in the area.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that the province has a high number of murder cases in the areas of Shurugwi, Mberengwa, Kwekwe and Gokwe where most artisanal miners are located.
Speaking to Journalists, ZRP Officer Commanding Crime (Midlands) Assistant Commissioner Helena Mahonde gave statistics on murder cases held by the High Court from January 20 to February 7, in Gweru.
A total of 144 cases were finalised and sentences passed ranged from 14 to 30 years of imprisonment.
Three accused persons were sentenced 35 years of imprisonment while three were sentenced for life imprisonment. Majority of accused persons were convicted for murder and some for homicide.
Majority of murder cases emanate from mining disputes, refusal to buy alcohol, some fight over girlfriends and some misunderstandings that occurred years back,” she added.
Responding to a question from journalists on whether their women among the convicted murderer, Asst Com Mahonde, “ Men are usually the ones convicted for murder whereas for women it is as a result of self-defence hence there has not been females convicted for murder”
“Moreover, people use home utensils like knives to commit these crimes therefore the ZRP cannot ban the use of knives just because they are a dangerous object but they serve a purpose in the kitchen,” she added.
applauded the arms of the law that work hand in hand with the police and appreciated the public that cooperated during investigations.
“As the ZRP we are happy with the sentences that were passed because they are a deterrent to the offenders, we are thankful to the Judiciary Service Commission for seconding judgement to this province and we also appreciate the collaboration between the National Prosecution Authority of Zimbabwe and police.
“We give thanks to the members of the public for their cooperation during the investigation of cases and those who came to give their testimonies,” said Asst Commissioner Mahonde.
She went on to urge the general public to work with them to enforce law in the Midlands province and the country as a whole.
“We continue to request for the public to work hand in hand with the police pertaining to investigations of the accused persons and as the ZRP we are not going to fold our hands, we will continue to ensure that offenders are dealt with according to the law,” said the police boss.
