Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
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A 54-year-old mine security guard from Pote in Karoi has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being convicted of unlawfully storing explosives outside a licensed facility, in contravention of the Explosives Act.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Peter Nyamunderu, who was employed as a security guard at Goodluck Mine, appeared before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court facing charges of failing to secure explosives in a licensed magazine as required by law.
The conviction followed the discovery of explosives during a routine operation by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit.
The court heard that on June 1, detectives were conducting patrols and investigations in mining areas around Pote when they visited Goodluck Mine.
During the operation, officers informed Nyamunderu of the nature of their investigations before carrying out a search at the mine premises.
The search resulted in the recovery of a small cardboard box containing 15 capped explosive fuses, 15 explosive emulsions and one explosive ignition cable.
Investigations established that the explosives had not been stored in a licensed explosives magazine and were being kept in an insecure location contrary to statutory requirements.
The NPAZ said further investigations revealed that Nyamunderu had knowingly and intentionally kept the explosives outside an approved storage facility, thereby breaching provisions of the Explosives Act.
The court subsequently convicted him and imposed a 12-month prison sentence.
Authorities have since urged mining operators and employees to strictly comply with regulations governing the handling, storage and transportation of explosives.
The NPAZ warned that improper storage of explosives poses significant risks to human life, property and the environment.
“Failure to comply with the law not only endangers lives and property but also attracts severe criminal penalties,” the authority said.
Mining sector stakeholders have repeatedly been encouraged to ensure that explosives are only stored in licensed magazines that meet safety standards and are subject to regular inspection by the relevant authorities.
The conviction comes amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to tighten compliance with mining and explosives regulations across the country.
derick.khumalo