Botswana’s second city, Francistown, is currently facing a growing threat from illegal gold miners, reminiscent of South Africa’s “Zama Zamas,” who are wreaking havoc by illicitly excavating for gold in areas around the city.
The “Zama Zamas” are a notorious group in South Africa known for their perilous and unlawful extraction of minerals, often under hazardous conditions. Over the past year, the police in Francistown have arrested over 400 illegal miners who have been operating in the city and its outskirts.
Based on information from law enforcement, a significant number of these offenders are of Zimbabwean origin. Their primary target is disused, old gold mines located near villages like Matsiloje and Patayamatebele in the vicinity of Francistown. These illegal activities are typically carried out during the night to evade public scrutiny. Astonishingly, the maximum penalty for an illegal miner in Botswana stands at a mere P200.00.
Shadrack Masilompane, the Chief Mining Engineer at the Department of Mines and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, confirmed to Sunday Standard that the P200 maximum penalty is ineffective in deterring these illegal miners. He remarked, “This charge is simply insufficient to dissuade these criminals, and we are actively exploring avenues to strengthen the law. We are currently engaged in internal discussions on this matter.”
Masilompane highlighted that the department is collaborating with the police and other law enforcement agencies to combat this alarming situation. Some of these illegal miners are employing advanced techniques, including metal detectors, to locate gold. However, Masilompane assured that their department has a team on the ground, working closely with law enforcement officers to address the issue. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that these criminals are not only damaging the environment but also posing a risk to local communities.
Oarabile Serumola, Director for the Department of Waste Management under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, emphasized that illegal gold mining is a widespread issue across Africa. She expressed concern not only about its environmental impact but also about the hazardous chemicals used by these criminals to extract gold from ore. Serumola pointed out that the processing methods employed by illegal miners remain a mystery, raising concerns about potential health and environmental risks.
Serumola also raised alarm about the old, unrehabilitated burrow pits in Francistown, which could be exploited by illegal miners using dangerous and primitive methods. These activities could lead to devastating consequences for the environment. She suggested the possibility of underground operations in other areas of Botswana, possibly involving foreigners collaborating with locals. Efforts are underway to address this issue through collaboration between various government departments and ministries. However, obtaining comments from Officer Commanding No.1 District Senior Superintendent Paul Molapisi proved unsuccessful, as his office cited prior commitments during the preceding week.
