Machete robbers terrorise West Nicholson

GWANDA – WEST NICHOLSON area has been declared a no-go zone during day and night as
machete-wielding gangs have invaded the area in search of gold.
Armed robberies have reached another level in the area, a situation that has left authorities with
more questions than answers, Ilanga has established.
ZRP Matabeleland South provincial spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed
having received such reports and said police were investigating the incidents.
“I can confirm having received reports of armed robberies in West Nicholson area where
machete gangs are targeting gold dealers and the business community operating in that area.
"We have deployed police officers to further investigate and make arrests where they are
warranted,” said Insp. Mangena.
A miner, who visited Ilanga newsroom to express his concern about the safety of small scale
miners, said West Nicholson was slowly turning into a modern day version of America’s Wild
West.
“There are a lot of murder cases that have taken place at West Nicholson although most of them
are not reported.
"Machete gangs coming from outside Gwanda are terrorising locals to a level that has left locals
with no choice but to retaliate.
"West Nicholson is now a battlefield. People are killing each other during broad day light and
nothing is being done by the relevant authorities,” pointed out the miner only identified as Siduli.
Meanwhile, it was also reported on social media that there is a sharp increase in robberies and
ritual murders involving machete-wielding gangs at West Nicholson.
While West Nicholson has been popular for being a gateway to quick riches but in Gwanda, life
has been bitter-sweet for the residents, who have been on the receiving end of the armed gangs.
Robberies, muggings and ritual murders are common in the area to such an extent that residents
now make sure they are indoors as early as 6 pm.