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Post Correspondent—
TWO Marange men are facing a two-year mandatory sentence if convicted after they were allegedly arrested while prospecting for gold at Imbeza Estate gold mine without licences.The presiding magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, advised the two, Prince Matsikeni (31) and David Makombe (42) that if convicted they were at risk of being sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Matsikeni and Makombe denied the charge of prospecting for gold without a licence as defined in Section 368 of the Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 21:05. Prosecuting was Mr Fletcher Karombe.
Allegations were that on October 6, and at around 10pm, Philani Ndlovu, a security guard at Imbeza Estate teamed up with Brian Chinyundo, his colleague and patrolled the area.
“While on patrol, they identified gold panning sites where they laid in ambush and managed to arrest Matsikeni and Makombe. The pair was arrested while carrying gold ore from the mine shaft,” said Mr Karombe.
Thirteen bags of gold ore were recovered from Matsikeni and Makombe and a police report was made. Mr Gwezhira ordered the pair to pay $20 bail each if they wished to be remanded out of custody pending trial.
The matter was adjourned to December 23.
Online Reporter