Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
TWO illegal gold miners have appeared in court, while three accomplices remain at large, after they stormed a mine, armed with machetes and axes and stole 50 bags of gold ore.
Sifelani Moyo (26) and Brighton Phiri (29) were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate Mr Progress Murandu, facing charges of attempted murder and robbery.
They were remanded in custody to October 20.
Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the gang invaded Magama Mine in West Nicholson on August 23, 2025, where they attacked two security guards stationed at the site.
One of the guards managed to escape, while the other was severely assaulted and left for dead. Mr Shumba said the gang used an unidentified vehicle and made off with 50 bags of gold ore, disappearing into the night.
“On 22 August 2025 at around 7pm, two security guards — Mr Decent Nkomo and Mr Irvine Ncube — assumed duty at Magama Mine.
In the early hours of the following day, at around 1am, the two accused persons, accompanied by three others who are still at large, arrived at the mine while the guards were asleep. The gang, armed with machetes and axes, woke the two complainants and ordered them to lie down. One of the complainants, Mr Decent Nkomo, managed to flee, while Mr Ncube remained behind. The accused persons tied Mr Ncube’s hands and legs with rope and assaulted him,” said Mr Shumba.
Mr Shumba said the attackers continued to beat Mr Ncube using the backs of their axes. They then stole 50 bags of gold ore, loaded them onto their vehicle, and fled the scene. Mr Nkomo, who had escaped, sought help from workers at nearby mines. He returned with reinforcements and as they approached the scene, they saw the accused persons fleeing in a pick-up truck.
Mr Shumba said Mr Ncube was found lying motionless on the ground. He was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, and later referred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for further treatment.
The two guards identified the gang as illegal miners who had previously caused disturbances in the area.
“The matter was reported to the police, who attended the scene. Investigations were carried out, leading to the arrest of the two accused persons, while their accomplices remain at large,” he said. —@DubeMatutu
