Enforcement Raids, Confiscations Yield Limited Results; Illegal Mining and Wood Poaching Also Cited in Monthly Report
Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
The Bulawayo City Council has reported significant difficulties in controlling a surge in open-air worship gatherings by white-garment Apostolic churches, with recent enforcement actions doing little to stem the practice.
According to the latest Parks Section report, despite repeated raids, awareness campaigns, and the confiscation of tents and garments from 18 sites across suburbs including Mzilikazi, Nemba roundabout, and Mpopoma, congregations continue to gather in undesignated areas. The council has described the gatherings as a “growing nuisance.”
“Our interventions through outreach programmes, community meetings and media awareness have produced limited success,” the report stated, highlighting the ongoing challenge.
The monthly update also detailed broader environmental and by-law enforcement issues. In Esigodini, joint patrols with police led to the arrest of nine illegal gold panners, bringing the total arrests since January to 79.
“Joint patrols between council rangers and police are ongoing to protect our water catchment areas,” said Housing and Community Services Director, Dictor Khumalo.
“Fifty-nine mining tools, including three metal detectors, were confiscated and submitted as court exhibits.”
The report noted that 71 surveillance operations were conducted in the period, with rangers impounding four trucks for illegal sand extraction and issuing 37 fines for various offences, of which 29 have been paid.
A concerning rise in the sale of firewood from donkey-drawn carts was also recorded, a trend linked to persistent power outages. Officials stated that wood poachers are increasingly operating at night to avoid detection, forcing rangers to extend patrol hours.
Meanwhile, stray livestock in suburbs bordering peri-urban zones remains a major challenge. The Lands Inspectorate is reportedly hampered in its response due to transport limitations, with its service vehicle currently grounded.
The council reiterated that environmental protection and adherence to by-laws are priorities but acknowledged that enforcement is constrained by resource challenges and growing non-compliance.
Follow us for the latest updates:
·X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News on An African Perspective©2025