By Yvonne Manjengwa

The Marange residents in Manicaland have petitioned the government following the rise of killings and gross abuse of human rights since the formation of Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) in 2016.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in the capital, Farai Maguwu, Manicaland director of Centre for Natural Resources Governance said the human rights abuses are worsening in Marange.

“We are alarmed by gruesome human rights abuses and killings that are being committed by security forces, the officers are ruthless and systematically opening fire at defenceless miners”, said Maguwu.

One of the residents, Malvern Mudiwa noted that the people of Marange are living in fear and hardship.

“We want the government to free us from this bondage because as it is we are not allowed to move around freely as we are subjected to searches, harassment and beatings by the security forces  due to the law of Protected Areas and Places Act of 2009”,said Mudiwa.

These residents work under Bocha Community Development Trust and Chiadzwa Community Development Trust and work hand in glove with Centre for Natural Resources Governance.

Representing Headman Mukwada, Mr Farikanayi Njesa said what they are facing in Marange is painful and the government must do something.

“We deserve to live freely just like any other Zimbabwean .We are being treated like outsiders in our own country. We are being given curfews by guards just like during war days. We are not benefiting from mineral resources within our area. There is no development in Marange .No tarred roads, no proper schools, no hospitals”, said Njesa.

Farai Maguwu noted that they are still investigating on the human rights abuses taking place in Marange. About 256 people have been assisted by the Trust to get medical attention after being allegedly brutalized by security details.