adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE State has dropped charges on seven youths accused of robbing a Kezi mine owner of property worth about $6,000. The seven and others who are still at large were accused of causing mayhem at a Kezi mine where they allegedly extracted some gold ore without approval of the mine owner on February 16. It is alleged during the stampede, property worth $5,950, 00 and four tonnes of gold ore was stolen, the court heard.
Mahubo Ncube, 26, Hloniphani Ndlovu, 32, Nodumo Nyathi, 27, Handsome Moyo, 32, Prince Sibanda, 25, Mthandazelwa Sibanda, 32, and Tyson Moyo, all of Maphisa area had reason to smile after Matabeleland South provincial magistrate Reuben Mukavhi cleared them of robbery.
Mukavhi said the State represented by Mncedisi Dube failed to prove its case against the group.
He said the alleged robbery happened at night when the moon was the only source of light and the commotion involved up to 100 youths yet only seven were arrested after police rounded up some people with no information to identify the accused persons supplied.
“The risk of identity was high and the case for the State needed to dispel that,” said Mukavhi.
He also said it was highly doubtful the seven men would have robbed the mine as none of the property stolen at night could be recovered the following day after police searched their houses.
“Surely, the police could have recovered some of the stolen items.
“The accused persons could not have disposed of all of the stolen property in those few hours.
“Had police recovered something that could have acted as corroboration for the testimonies of the witnesses,” said the magistrate.
Meanwhile, Ncube is facing a separate charge of indecent assault on the mine owner and her daughter after he allegedly fondled their private parts in search of gold.
On Monday Ncube came to court drunk and disturbed court proceedings.
He did not attend the court for sentencing on Thursday and magistrate Sheila Nazombe had to issue a warrant of arrest for defaulting coming to court.
Online Reporter