Machete gangs terror IN MatoBo

Mashudu Mambo

VILLAGERS from Silobi and Mangalani in Matobo District, Matabeleland South province are living in fear of machete-wielding gangs who are reportedly going around terrorising villagers, particularly those frequenting shops and bars.

The gangs’ reign of terror reportedly started last year and no arrest has been made to date.

Ward 9 Councillor Bekezela Moyo said they feared loss of life and property to the machete- wielding gangs.

“These gangs have been terrorising the area since last year and most of them are illegal gold panners who come to the shops to harass people.

“This is done in front of police officers and no action has been taken in dealing with these menacing gangs. They have gone to an extent of hitting people with their machetes and scaring them with knives,” said Moyo.

Moyo said villagers who stay in Silobi and Mangalani were the most affected although they had recorded a few incidents in other areas.

“People who stay in areas like Silobi and Mangalani business centres are the most affected and some have stopped visiting these shopping areas in fear of getting hurt,” he said.

He said there was a need for the police to be armed with weapons that will help them protect the people instead of having them as victims.

“I believe that there is a need for our security forces to be armed with weapons that are essential in fighting as these gangs have resorted to belittling them,” said Moyo.

A shop owner from Silobi who preferred anonymity said he feared that the gangs would start stealing from their shops.

“My greatest fear is that if nothing is done, these gangs will pounce on our shops and steal our products. These gangs have also reduced the number of customers that come as many fear that they may be victims of harassment,” he said.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said they had not received any reports regarding machete gangs terrorising villagers from the areas in question.

“We have not received any reports with regards to such gangs in Matobo. We, however, urge the public to ensure that they report such cases to the police,” said Inspector Mangena.