Stabbed gold panner dies

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
AN illegal gold panner who was battling for life in the Intensive Care Unit at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after he was stabbed by a fellow panner has died.

Ngozo Sibanda of Mphoengs, Matabeleland South was stabbed several times all over his body with a knife allegedly by Pholisani Nyoni, a fellow panner.

He died on Wednesday night at around 10PM at UBH following the stabbing which occurred on Monday night at Nubobs Mine in Mphoengs.

The two were working in a mine shaft when they started fighting leading to the stabbing.

Sibanda’s stomach was ripped open and he was rushed to Plumtree District Hospital with intestines protruding.

Police said they were now treating the case as murder and had arrested Nyoni.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the death of Sibanda.

“I can confirm that a man who had been arrested for attempted murder, is now facing murder charges. The victim’s stomach was ripped open and he has since died at the UBH where he had been transferred to due to his critical condition,” he said.

Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to refrain from engaging in acts of violence.

“We are appealing to people to solve their differences amicably and not to resort to violence. It’s worrisome to note that the province continues to lose lives unnecessarily with most cases emanating from misunderstandings which can be resolved without fighting. Police will not hesitate to arrest culprits and we appeal to people to learn to deal with their issues peacefully without having to fight,” he said. — @winnie_masara.