Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
POLICE in Mberengwa have recovered 150 kg of gold-bearing carbon valued at US$16 500 after six suspected thieves abandoned their vehicle and fled into the bush in a high-speed chase that ended in a crash and fire.
The incident occurred at Draw Mark 19 Mine at about 1 am on Sunday after the suspects allegedly broke into underground carbon tanks and stole gold-bearing material.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said a mine security guard discovered footprints leading from the mine to a white Honda Fit parked about 100 metres away.
The guard, together with a mine driver, pursued the suspects.
“The two vehicles subsequently collided at the junction of Old Bulawayo Road and Mimosa Road,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said the collision extensively damaged the Honda Fit, which later caught fire.
“The six occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes,” he said.
Police officers from the Zvishavane Traffic Section and the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit attended the scene and recovered the stolen gold-bearing carbon from the burnt vehicle.
Insp Mahoko said the entire consignment had been recovered, although the suspects remain at large.
“We appeal to members of the public with information that could assist police in identifying and apprehending the suspects to report to their nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing,” he said
