Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A GOLD panner from Inyathi has been locked up after allegedly leading a violent gang that assaulted a police officer and briefly took his gun during a mine invasion.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Luckmore Sibanda (38) was remanded in custody by the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court after the dramatic incident at Mudge 24 Mine on August 20.
According to prosecutors, Obert Jakata (34), a police officer, had been deployed to the mine with two colleagues and two security guards from DGL 5 Mine to maintain order.
“When the complainant and his team arrived at the mine, the miners started advancing holding axes, machetes, knobkerries, spears and iron bars,” the NPAZ said in a statement.
Sibanda allegedly arrived in a silver Honda Fit, jumped out and threatened the officers before pinning Jakata to the ground.
“The accused person dispossessed the complainant of his service pistol which he later returned before ordering the police officers to leave,” read the statement.
Sibanda was arrested on 3 September at a roadblock along the Nkayi-Bulawayo Road.
He is expected back in court on 9 September for trial.
The NPAZ urged the public to respect law enforcement officers.
