‘No Licence, No Gold’–ZRP Warns

By Loyd Matare 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to individuals and institutions involved in unlawful gold dealings, saying anyone found in possession of the gold without the required permit will face arrest “without fear or favour.”

This comes as Police recently arrested and secured the conviction of Joseph Phiri, who was nabbed with 3,118 grams of gold in his possession.

Phiri was slapped with a five-year jail term, while the recovered gold worth thousands on the black market was forfeited to the State as authorities intensify their war on illicit mineral trading.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the law will be applied strictly under the Gold Trade Act and regulations administered by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and institutions that anyone found in possession of gold without a valid permit or licence… will be arrested without fear or favour for the due process of the law to take effect,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

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Commissioner Nyathi said the case should serve as a clear message to those attempting to bypass mining regulations.

“The Police reiterate that all stakeholders must comply with the Gold Trade Act,” he added.

“Any defiance of the law will attract swift action.”

The ZRP urged the public to report suspected illegal gold dealings and reaffirmed its commitment to working with other authorities to curb mineral leakages.

Nyathi also said the intensified monitoring and collaborative operations will continue nationwide as part of efforts to protect the country’s mineral wealth.