Redwing Mine, once lauded as a large gold mining company capable of enhancing the quality of life in Penhalonga and the national economy, has devolved into a tragic tale of crime and social evils THE WEEKLY has learnt.
Located 50 kilometres west of Mutare, the gold mine once had an estimated resource of 2.5 million ounces of gold according to the Mineral Reserve Statement for December 2016. Between 1966 and 2004, the mine produced 1.1 million ounces of gold, contributing to the nation’s GDP and economic growth. But the narrative has shifted to one of dismay, manifested in crime, mortality, immense environmental degradation, and labour rights violations.
THE WEEKLY’s research team unearthed the rot at the once thriving mine, which has been overtaken by artisanal miners subcontracted by Betterbrands which took over Redwing Mine from Metallon Gold.
The Weekly has learned about the high rates of prostitution and crime that are connected to mining activities through a variety of interviews with Penhalonga communities.
According to Dr Zvidzai, a senior Medical Practitioner at Oasis Family Clinic in Tsvingwe, Penhalonga, during the last two years the mining community has recorded a number of sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) that are directly associated with prostitution.
“At Oasis Family Clinic, we have documented a variety of STIs that have been a problem in the community. These were inextricably related to prostitution, which is currently prevalent in Penhalonga. For the past two years, we have been treating a number of STIs and are pleased to report that, as a result of the education we have provided and the encouragement to use condoms, the cases have remained constant, but efforts to minimize the spread of such linked infections continue strong.,” said Dr Zvidzai.
“Like any other community, the community has not been immune to drug and substance misuse. Drug abuse in Penhalonga is a more serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly, possibly involving a local rehabilitation facility, because there are worryingly high rates of mental health problems and drug-related violence. The location has drawn people with a variety of backgrounds and personalities, so the difficulties are still challenging. When these makorokoza consume too much cannabis, it might lead to addiction and mental disease. Typically, they use cannabis to get energy and courage for underground mining,” added Dr Zvidzai.
Penhalonga has been invaded by artisanal miners, whose way of life has enticed children from the community to abandon their education pursuits in order to work in mining, while girls have been exposed to early marriages and teenage pregnancy.
“It’s sad that so many young boys have dropped out of school to pursue a career in mining. These decisions have been inspired by Makorokoza’s flashy lifestyle, which is hurting future generations. Teenage pregnancy and early child marriages, on the other hand, are prevalent in the community at large. Because most artisanal miners come from different parts of the country, some come without wives, and when they acquire money, they attract young girls for sex, which has increased school dropouts and teenage pregnancies.” said Loveness Kachingwe of Tsvingwe, Penhalonga speaking to THE WEEKLY.
For newcomers, getting about the neighbourhood is not the most comfortable experience because of the presence of fierce-looking men in nice cars who can at once call the might of scores of violent artisanal miners to attack any intruder. CNRG team on several occasions had to flee the area on high speed as the thugs descended on us. The CNRG team was filming a documentary on lawlessness in Penhalonga due to artisanal mining. They raised an alarm whenever they saw a camera.
According to a Betterbrands Worker who spoke to THE WEEKLY on the basis of anonymity, Betterbrands has a tight grip on the community and its workers.
“Betterbrands has tightened security in the area to limit access of the media to its activities. For instance, all small-scale and illegal miners who are not affiliated with Betterbrands are required to turn in their ore to their millers and split the profits in half. Community activists who speak out are occasionally threatened and silenced. Additionally, employees who speak up face intimidation and threats,” they said.
The WEEKLY also noted a spike in crime, particularly in the Old West, where the majority of workers reside, and a number of robberies have occurred. The area is home to a diverse population from all walks of life, and it can be difficult for women in particular to go at night because they occasionally become victims of theft.