Vusumuzi Dube
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
POLICE have launched a manhunt for 21 suspects who pounced on a mine while armed with pistols and stole 200 bags of gold ore, which was later recovered.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the incident which occurred at Machobeni Mine in West Nicholson.
She said the suspects attacked four security guards who were manning the mine.
“On 22 July 2025, at around 6pm, four security guards assumed duty at Machobeni Mine, one of them was armed with a 303 rifle. On 23 July 2025, at around 1 am, a group of about 21 unknown male accused persons who were carrying torches and armed with pistols surrounded the mine, forced the complainants to lie down on their stomachs and assaulted them with logs and also disarmed the complainant.
“Some of the accused persons continued assaulting the complainants whilst the other accused persons stole 200 bags of gold ore and hid them in the bush,” he said.
Insp Dube said one of the complainants managed to escape and called the police officers who attended the scene and saw the accused persons who were carrying the ore on their way to the main road. The cops fired warning shots in the air, forcing the accused persons to disappear into the darkness, leaving the gold ore on the ground.
Insp Dube said two of the complainants sustained injuries and were referred to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for treatment.
“We are appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to contact their nearest police station or ZRP West Nicholson 08428-016452/016453. We will intensify foot, cycle and motorised patrols at mining areas where stop and searches shall be conducted and those found with dangerous weapons will be arrested,” she said.
@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter