Chronicle Editor
Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
A FILABUSI man is on the run after he allegedly stabbed two workmates for refusing to connive with him to steal their employer’s gold worth about $3 000.
Tawanda Msindo of Zvishavane allegedly stole the gold but lost it to con artistes who gave him fake $100 notes.
Msindo, whose age could not be established, allegedly stabbed Michael Mdlongwa and Sifiso Ndlovu both from Nkayi at a Filabusi mine.
The trio had allegedly struck gold at the mine.
Msindo allegedly tried to convince his workmates to convert $2 000 worth of the gold to their use and surrender only $1 000 to their employer, a Mr Ngulube.
Ndlovu, who is said to be related to Mr Ngulube, allegedly refused and convinced Mdlongwa to also refuse to steal the gold. There was a standoff, sources at the mine said, and a fight broke out while the trio were drinking at Mahole Shopping Centre in Filabusi.
A miner who works closely with the trio, Mr Nhlanganiso Ncube, said Msindo plied his companions with beer before attacking them.
“These guys were here drinking and Msindo was buying them beer, and bought a couple of rounds for us too. They started fighting just as they were about to leave when Msindo told them that they were fools who were going to die poor,” said Mr Ncube.
He said they hurled obscenities at each other before other patrons chased them out.
“While still exchanging insults, Msindo broke a beer bottle and stabbed Ndlovu on the neck and slashed Mdlongwa under his arm,” said Mr Ncube.
“He fled from the scene while the injured men called for assistance from other imbibers. They were rushed to Filabusi Hospital for treatment.”
Msindo allegedly got prospective buyers for the gold.
He allegedly met a man from Colleen Bawn who introduced him to the people who later conned him.
“They allegedly paid him $3 200, of which $ 2 500 was in fake United States dollars and the rest were original bond notes,” said a panner who declined to be named.
Msindo allegedly tried to report the matter at Filabusi station using a fake name.
“A smart police officer asked him if he knew Ndlovu and Mdlongwa who were admitted to Filabusi Hospital and he disappeared from the charge office,” said the panner.
Matabeleland South Police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele could neither confirm nor deny the incident.
“I am out of office at the moment but the matter has not yet come to my attention,” said Insp Ndebele. — @andile_tshuma
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