Mine Manager Up for Murder

A 31-year-old mine manager has been arrested in Battlefields, Mashonaland West, on allegations of shooting a gold panner last week. 

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

"The accused person aged 31, who is a mine manager, saw illegal gold panners while patrolling with a security guard. The illegal gold panners started running away on seeing the duo.

"The accused opened fire, shooting one of the panners on the left side of the face. The panner fell into one of the mine pits," he said.

Mine Manager Up for Murder

He said after the manager realised he had injured the panner, he ferried him to Kadoma General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

"Police are warning members of the public to desist from misusing firearms. Visits to mines will be stepped up and all insecure firearms will be forfeited and those found flouting the law will be arrested and persecuted," Chief Supt Nyathi said.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a case of attempted robbery which occurred last Tuesday at around 9pm in Bulawayo.

Chief Supt Nyathi said three armed robbers hired a taxi from the city centre to Mpopoma.

Along the way they ordered the driver to stop. The taxi driver heard the robbers planning to rob him. He switched off his mobile phone and disappeared with car keys.

"He made a report to the police and the three suspects were later arrested. The ZRP is advising motorists to be always vigilant and to immediately report cases to any nearest police station or to call the National Complaints desk on (04) 703631 if they notice suspicious persons or are hired and directed to secluded places," Chief Supt Nyathi said.