Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
POLICE in Mberengwa have recovered 150 kilogrammes of gold-bearing carbon worth an estimated US$16 500 after six suspected thieves abandoned their vehicle and fled into the bush following a dramatic high-speed chase that ended in a crash and fire.
The incident occurred at Draw Mark 19 Mine at around 1am on Sunday after the suspects allegedly broke into underground carbon tanks and stole gold-bearing material.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the theft was discovered by a mine security guard, who noticed footprints leading from the mine to a white Honda Fit parked about 100 metres from the scene.
The security guard, assisted by a mine driver, immediately pursued the suspects in a Honda Shuttle vehicle.
“The two vehicles subsequently collided at the Old Bulawayo Road and Mimosa Road junction,” Insp Mahoko said.
The collision left the Honda Fit extensively damaged and sparked a fire.
“The six occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bushes,” said Insp Mahoko.
Police officers from the Zvishavane Traffic Section and the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit attended the scene and conducted a search of the vehicle.
During the search, officers recovered the stolen gold-bearing carbon from the burnt-out Honda Fit.
Insp Mahoko said the entire consignment of stolen material had been recovered, although the suspects had managed to evade arrest.
“We appeal to members of the public with information that could assist police in identifying and apprehending the suspects to report to their nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Police are continuing with investigations and efforts to track down the six suspects.
