Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
POLICE have arrested four men in Hope Fountain on allegation of murder after they fatally attacked a fellow illegal gold miner with stones before throwing his body in a mine shaft.
The dispute was allegedly over gold ore.
The group was carrying out illegal mining activities when the incident took place.
Inspector Abednico Ncube Press and Public Relations Officer for ZRP Bulawayo Province confirmed the incident.
“Police confirm the arrest of Wellington Phiri, a male adult aged 18 years, Makhosi Mthethwa, a male adult aged 27 years, Mlungisi Moyo, a male adult aged 34 years, and Melusi Nkomo, a male adult aged 19 years, all from Hope-Fountain, Bulawayo for a case of murder.
“On the 12th of February 2024 at around 2300 hours, the now deceased only known as Nkosinathi Ngoma and the accused persons were carrying out illegal mining at Fools mine, Hope-Fountain, Bulawayo. A misunderstanding over gold ore ensued between them, resulting in the accused persons attacking the now deceased with stones and throwing him into the mine shaft. It is not clear whether the now-deceased was already dead or alive before he was thrown into the mine shaft,” said Insp Ncube.
A police report was then made leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
Insp Ncube dispelled the use violence by the public whenever they are settling their disputes as this may lead to unnecessary loss of lives.
“We also warn the communities to desist from illegal mining as it endangers their lives,” he said
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