Armed robbers steal 80kg gold ore
A GANG of six axe and machete wielding gold panners cum robbers have been dramatically arrested after allegedly stealing gold ore from Esigodini in Matabeleland South Province.
However, they were arrested before the Esigodini tollgate when they were trying to flee with the loot.
Police said the six, Vezinhlanhla Ncube (25), Admire Mafu (23), Timothy Dube (22), John Mpofu (22), Bongani Tshuma and Agrippa Muntsaka (46) had raided Liberty Syndicate Mine, where they momentarily got away with 80 kilogrammes of gold ore.
While at the mine the gang assaulted and chased three security guards, before holding hostage and assaulting one of the guards to lead them to where the ore was stored. After they were shown the ore, they demanded the guard to pack it in sacks, before fleeing from the mine in a getaway car they had hired.
The six, whose plan did not entirely go smoothly, were arrested at the Esigodini Tollgate, after the owner of the mine was made aware of the incident by the security guard, who had memorised the number plate of their getaway vehicle. Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Rosemary Mangena confirmed the incident and subsequent arrest of the gang.
“Police in Esigodini arrested six men in connection with a case of robbery that occurred at Liberty Syndicate Mine, Esigodini on 21 October at around midnight. The accused persons stormed the mine armed with machetes, axes, and lighting torches and attacked three guards who were on duty.
“The gang forced one of the guards to dig and load gold ore into sacks. The accused persons summoned a taxi before fleeing from the scene. The mine owner was informed about the matter and reported the matter to the police, who in turn swiftly arrested the men upon arrival at the tollgate. Police arrested the accused persons and recovered all the gold ore,” said Insp Mangena.
She said police were very grateful of the vigilance shown by the security guard, in light of how he had been badly beaten up and tortured.
“Despite of all the pain he was feeling he remained vigilant and still managed to memorise and alert his bosses of what had happened. This greatly assisted police in carrying out their duty and we commend his bravery. We therefore are very appreciative of his actions and would like to urge members of the public to assist police in fighting crime,” she said.
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