Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Chipinge have arrested a 23-year-old gold panner who had been on the run for almost two years after allegedly stabbing and killing a fellow panner during a gambling dispute in Mashava, Masvingo Province in December 2023.
The suspect, Lawrence Nduna Mlambo of Chikepe Village under Chief Musikavanhu, was arrested last week following coordinated police action prompted by community tip-offs.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest, saying the breakthrough came after officers received credible information that Mlambo had crossed back into Zimbabwe from Mozambique, where he is believed to have been hiding.
He said Mlambo and the now-deceased, Panashe Hove, originally from Mashava in Masvingo, were gambling at Shashe Business Centre in Masvingo on December 16, 2023, when a misunderstanding erupted between the two.
During the altercation, Mlambo allegedly pulled out a butcher’s knife and stabbed Hove once, fatally wounding him before fleeing the scene.
“After the offence, Mlambo immediately escaped to Chipinge, taking advantage of the district’s close proximity to the Mozambique border, which is barely 2km away, before eventually crossing into the neighbouring country. We believe he had been moving between Mozambique and border-area communities to avoid detection,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said Mlambo’s arrest was made possible through information supplied by an anonymous informant believed to be related to the suspect.
“We received a report from an informant early this year indicating that the accused had fled to Mozambique. Our teams began monitoring his possible movements, and on December 7 around 8pm, we received information that he had been spotted in the Muumbe area after returning to Zimbabwe,” he said.
Following the tip-off, police officers swiftly reacted and mounted surveillance.
Mlambo was intercepted and arrested before he could cross the border again.
Officers from Mashava later travelled to Chipinge and positively identified him.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka praised the public for assisting with information that led to the arrest.
He said community co-operation played a crucial role, especially in cases where suspects take advantage of remote terrain or porous borders.
“We are grateful to members of the public for coming forward. Their support was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice,” Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said.
He also issued a stern warning to violent offenders and those who believe they can evade law enforcement by absconding to neighbouring countries.
“Trying to run away after committing a crime will not save anyone. We want to make it clear that police will continue tracking suspects no matter how long it takes or where they go. As long as someone is wanted, we will follow every lead until they are accounted for”.
Asst Insp Chinyoka urged communities involved in artisanal mining activities to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence.
