Chronicle EditorWhinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
An illegal gold panner is battling for life in the Intensive Care Unit at United Bulawayo Hospitals after he was stabbed by a fellow panner.
The two were working in a mine shaft in Mphoengs in Matabeleland South when they started fighting leading to the stabbing.
The incident occurred at around 10PM on Monday night at Nubobs Mine in Mphoengs.
Mr Ngozo Sibanda of Mphoengs Area under chief Tshitshi was stabbed several times all over his body with a knife by a fellow panner, Pholisani Nyoni.
His stomach was ripped open and was rushed to Plumtree hospital with intestines protruding. Sibanda whose condition is critical, has since been transferred to UBH where he is admitted to the ICU.
Police said they are treating the case as attempted murder and have arrested Nyoni.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said investigations were underway.
“I can confirm that a man was arrested and is facing attempted murder charges after he stabbed a fellow panner with a knife. The victim’s stomach was ripped open and he has since been transferred to UBH because of his critical condition,” he said.
Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to refrain from engaging in violence.
@winnie_masara
Online Reporter