adminActing police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Monday night at Alice 72 Python Mine in Silobela.
Police identified the security guard as Mr Jaison Makwiza of Python Mine.
Asst Insp Mahoko said the suspect, Ignatius Chivalamba (23) of Chivalamba Village, Headman Ruya, Silobela immediately escaped after committing the heinous crime.
He said the police have since launched a manhunt for Chivalamba.
“On Monday night at around midnight, the suspect Ignatius Chivalamba (23) went to Alice 72 Python Mine and got into a mine shaft at night under the cover of darkness to conduct some illegal panning activities,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
“Makwiza, who was guarding the mine premises together with a colleague only identified as Simba then went to the mine to conduct their routine checks for illegal panners. They found Chivalamba in one of the tunnels and ordered him to come out after which he complied.”
After apprehending the suspect, Makwiza then phoned the owner of the mine who is based in Kwekwe and informed him that they had “arrested” the suspect, Chivalamba.
“This did not go down well with Chivalamba who was not in handcuffs then. Chivalamba used a machete that he was carrying in his hands to strike the now deceased on the head and on the chest. The other security guard then intervened and struck Chivalamba with a stick but the suspect managed to flee leaving the machete behind,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
He said Makwiza died on his way to Silobela Hospital.
“The matter was reported to the police and a manhunt for Chivalamba has since been launched. We appeal to members of the public with information that might lead to Chivalamba’s arrest to approach any nearest police station,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
Online Reporter