adminMatabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said the incident occurred on 23 June when two small-scale miners, Mr Ndodana Ncube (46) of Mahlabathini area, Inyathi and Mr Augustine Ndlovu (34) also of Inyathi were attacked by armed robbers while walking along Turk Mine-Gloag Road.
She said on the day in question, the two miners observed four men following them.
“It is said three men walked hastily and caught up with Ncube and Ndlovu and had a conversation while the fourth waited some few metres away,” said Asst Insp Makonese.
She said the fourth man then picked up a stone and struck Ncube on the head and he sustained a deep cut on the forehead and fell to the ground unconscious.
“On realising what was happening, Ndlovu ran away and the three assailants gave chase, throwing stones at him. Realising that they were failing to catch up with him, one of the assailants fired a single shot at Ndlovu but failed to hit him,” said Asst Insp Makonese.
She said the robbers then returned to where Ncube lay unconscious, dragged him into a bushy area before searching him and robbed him of $1 000 cash, a Nokia cellphone with a NetOne line, and a pair of shoes he was wearing.
Asst Insp Makonese said Ndlovu ran straight to the police station where he made a report.
“Police quickly attended the scene and found Ncube still lying unconscious on the ground but the robbers were nowhere to be found. Ncube was taken to Inyathi District Hospital and the value of cash and goods stolen is $1 100 and nothing was recovered,” she said.
Asst Insp Makonese urged business people or people who are known to handle large sums of cash to avoid walking in secluded places to avoid such incidents.
Online Reporter