Artisanal miner fatally struck by axe

Midlands Bureau
A 35-year-old artisanal miner was allegedly fatally struck with an axe on the head by a fellow miner following a misunderstanding.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which occurred in Mbombela Village, Silobela, on Saturday at around 8 pm.
“The suspects connected to the case are Priority Bhebhe and Elvis Mpofu, who both hail from the same village as the now-deceased Freeman Sibanda,” he said.
“They had once worked together as artisanal miners in Silobela and had an outstanding dispute.”
Inspector Mahoko said on the fateful day, Sibanda left Mbombela Shopping Centre in a donkey-drawn scotch cart in the company of Wiseman Mpofu and Bhebhe.
“On their way home, they met Elvis Mpofu who flashed Sibanda’s face with a touch, forcing him to stop,” he said.
“A misunderstanding arose. Bhebhe disembarked from the scotch cart and joined in the scuffle.”
Inspector Mahoko said Bhebhe then produced an axe and struck Sibanda on the head. He and Elvis then fled from the scene.
Sibanda was rushed to Silobela District Hospital by well-wishers but he died on the way.