adminNqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE have expressed concern over an increase in the abuse of guns in mining areas, a development that has seen them launching an operation against illegal firearms owners.
In a statement yesterday, National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said more police officers would be deployed to patrol the mines.
“Police are warning members of the public to desist from misusing firearms. Visits to mines will be stepped up and all insecure firearms will be confiscated and those flouting the law will be arrested,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said in the latest incident of gun abuse, a mine employee allegedly shot dead a panner who had invaded Battlefield mine in Mashonaland West Province.
The suspected illegal panner was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on admission.
The move by the police also follows a number of incidents of violent confrontations involving the use of guns at mines in Matabeleland.
Last month, a security guard in Filabusi allegedly shot dead one person who was in the company of 15 other panners following a 15KM high speed chase from Epoch Mine.
The security guard, Lufukudo Mgande, who was employed by Para Reserve Security and Private Investigators, shot Wellington Moyo at the back of his head, killing him on the spot.
Mgande was later arrested for murder.
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