A surge in illegal mining activities in Mashava has left a trail of destruction, with nearly 40 houses used as student halls of residence at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) severely damaged.
According to Zimpapers TV Network, The university, which acquired the houses from the government after the collapse of Shabanie Mashava Mines (SMM), had refurbished them to accommodate its students.
However, the illegal miners have been digging for minerals in the area, causing structural damage to the buildings.
The affected houses are part of the university’s largest campus by student population, with hundreds of students potentially displaced.
The illegal mining activities have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the students, as well as the future of the campus.
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Authorities have yet to comment on the situation, but residents and university officials are calling for swift action to be taken against the illegal miners and to address the damage caused.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the community and institutions in Mashava, a town once thriving but now struggling to recover from the collapse of its main industry.
