Artisanal miner murdered

A ZHOMBE artisanal miner was stoned to death by a mob of fellow artisanal miners last week after he allegedly took their gold ore by force.

The now deceased, who was identified as Regi Moyo or Sampongo of Madzvairo area under Chief Gwesela, was a well-known mbimbo in the area, but died on Monday night after a mob of artisanal miners decided to fight back, resulting in his death.

Speaking to H-Metro, a source in Zhombe under Chief Gwesela’s jurisdiction said Regi Moyo was killed near Zhombe river as he was trying to escape from a mob of artisanal miners who were running after him for taking away their ore.

“Regi, or Sampongo as he was commonly known, was a well-known mbimbo, who used force to take other artisanal miners’ gold ore and belongings.

“Just last Monday, he went to Getsi Park Mine after hearing of a gold rush there. So as usual, he allegedly started using force to take other people’s gold ore and they watched him until they got frustrated and decided to fight him.

“They gathered around him and started beating him up with all sorts of weapons. He tried to fight back, but he then realised that he was being overpowered and he decided to escape.

“The mob ran after him and caught him by Zhombe river where they stoned him to death as he was already weak and injured from the initial attack,” said the source.

When contacted for comment, Chief Wait Gwesela confirmed the incident.

The Chief said such an act of barbarism is a first of its kind in his area as he does not tolerate such behaviour, which usually attracts hefty fines in his traditional court.

“It is true that Regi was reportedly murdered by his fellow miners last week.

“This gruesome act is a first of its kind in my area because my people know that I do not tolerate such barbarism.

“This kind of behaviour results in the punishment of both the parent of the perpetrator and the perpetrator himself. I have personally ruled that if anyone is found in possession of a machete or those dangerous weapons in his house he will be punished.

“If not because of this lockdown, I would have called for a meeting with my people and warned them against this behaviour. I usually hear about such stories happening in neighbouring areas, but not under my jurisdiction,” he said.

Midlands Province Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said he is yet to receive a report from Kwekwe office.

“From the mail I received today I did not see that report so I will wait for the report from Kwekwe office, “he said.

According to unconfirmed reports, Regi Moyo was buried on Saturday at his homestead in Zhombe after the suspects, who were not named, paid six cattle as compensation.