By A Correspondent
Masvingo – The Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) has vowed that threats from powerful politicians involved in illegal gold mining activities around the city’s water reservoirs at Tagert Kopje hills will not silence their fight for residents’ rights to clean, potable water and a safe environment.
MURRA Director, Anoziva Muguti, spoke out recently, revealing that he has been receiving anonymous threats from illegal gold panners in the area who have warned of harm to him and his staff for reviving a High Court case. The case seeks an interdict to halt the illegal mining operations that threaten both the city’s water supply and the safety of its residents.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability, no matter the cost,” Muguti said.
The threats are linked to MURRA’s ongoing efforts to stop illegal mining on the hills, which poses a serious risk to the town’s water supply. Since 2020, MURRA has been leading the charge, taking the Masvingo City Council, the Ministry of Mines, and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to court over the issue.
“We will not back down. The people of Masvingo deserve nothing less than clean water and a safe environment,” Muguti added.
Residents are deeply concerned for their safety as the illegal miners use hazardous chemicals like cyanide, which could contaminate the water supply. There are also fears that mining activities beneath the water tanks could lead to their collapse, endangering the lives of residents in the Majange, Hillside, and Tagert Kopje suburbs, where over one million cubic liters of water are stored.
Despite the threats, Muguti remains steadfast, declaring that MURRA will continue to expose the corrupt practices undermining the community.
“We are not alone in this fight. There are countless others who have suffered at the hands of these illegal mining operations. Together, we demand justice and accountability,” he emphasized.
In addition to the environmental risks, residents have reported that the blasting of rocks in the area has caused cracks in their homes, raising fears that their houses could collapse at any moment.
MURRA has not yet reported the threats to the police as they are still investigating the identity of the individuals behind the intimidation. However, they do have the names of several powerful politicians and their families, though these will not be disclosed until they are confirmed through legal processes.
“We are taking our time to ensure the right people are held accountable. We will reveal names only once the courts have positively identified them,” Muguti concluded.