Two miners murdered in Esigodini

Two illegal miners were murdered on a farm in Esigodini while searching for gold at a panning site. One of the victims has been identified as 50-year-old Bulisani Ncube, while the other remains unidentified.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reported that the investigation is ongoing, and the police are seeking information to help solve the case.

“Police in Bulawayo are requesting any information that could aid the investigation into a murder that occurred at Springvale Farm, Esigodini, on September 5, 2024,” Nyathi said. “The victims, Bulisani Ncube, aged 50, and an unidentified male, were attacked by unknown suspects who used machetes, axes, and logs to assault them.”

The victims were taken to Esigodini District Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.

In March, police initiated a comprehensive operation aimed at curbing the high rates of murders plaguing the area.

This decisive action follows a series of gruesome murders, primarily attributed to unruly elements believed to be linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party or involved in illegal gold mining activities.

According to police sources, law enforcement agencies have mobilized their resources and descended upon the region, resulting in violent confrontations with the alleged perpetrators. These individuals have reportedly vowed to resist arrest, further complicating the police’s efforts to restore safety in the community.

Among the incidents that led to the operation was the fatal attack on a father, a Mr Hlatshwao and his daughter only identified as Thando, at their homestead, targeted by four men, some of whom were seen wearing Zanu-PF regalia.

On the day in question, the father, had been visited by his four daughters from Bulawayo.

In another chilling incident, another villager, who was also a friend to Mr Hlatshwao, was similarly murdered at his homestead, employing the same modus operandi, with the assailants again clad in Zanu-PF attire. Eyewitnesses report that these alleged attackers are known in the community and have openly boasted about their immunity from arrest, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.