Machete attacks: Chief makes a stand

CHIEF Malisa of Silobela, Crispen Moyo, says he will not hesitate to banish anyone who engages in machete attacks from his home area.

There has been a surge in machete attacks, especially among gold panners in the Midlands Province.

Speaking on the sidelines of the commissioning of Wozoli Irrigation Scheme on Saturday, Chief Malisa described the rise in machete attacks as worrisome, saying anyone found in possession of a machete in his area would be banished.

“We have been warning people to desist from violence, especially those involving machetes but no one is listening. So for now no one should carry a machete in this area. Anyone found with a machete will be arrested and banished as well. Those harbouring such criminals in their homes will be banished as well.

“Parents, it is your duty to teach your children the difference between wrong and right. If you know that your child is part of the gang that is terrorising villagers using machetes, please report him to the police because villagers cannot live in fear in their rightful place,” he said.

Chief Malisa also warned gold panners who have a habit of assaulting police while resisting arrest.

“Please respect the police while they are carrying out their duties. If you are caught on the wrong side of the law then you must be arrested, do not attack the police while they are carrying out their duties,” he said.

He said villagers should learn to share and stop being selfish as it is the main cause of violence, especially in mine.

“Gaika Mine has become a death trap for most miners. We should have the sharing spirit among us. If the mine is a community mine, everyone has the right to mine, stop killing other people because you think you are the only one who has the right to mine. It’s our wealth, let’s share it,” he said.