Gold panner killed in mine invasion attempt

AN attempt by illegal gold panners to invade a mine in Shurugwi backfired after one of them was killed when a loaded riffle accidentally discharged during a tussle.

Police in Shurugwi said one of the illegal gold panners, who attempted to forcefully enter Tebekwe Mine, was shot when the gang fought security guards

Mr Timothy Nyoni, who was popularly known as Baba Harare in Shurugwi, died on admission at Shurugwi District hospital.

“A group of illegal panners invaded Tebekwe Mine in Shurugwi around 1 am on Wednesday and tried to disarm the security guards at the mine. It was during a tussle with one of the mine security guards that a fire arm was triggered and Mr Nyoni was shot in the upper abdomen, He was rushed to Shurugwi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said a police officer stationed at Shurugwi Central Police.

Tebekwe Mine manager, Mr Shelton Mbulayi also confirmed the incident saying police had visited the scene.

“We were attacked by a group of people who were armed with machetes and some knobkerries.

They came at the mine around 1am, they attempted to disarm the security guards in a bid to take over the mine operations. They only ran away after one of their leaders was shot during a tussle for a fire arm with one of the security guards,” Mr Mbulayi said.

“We immediately reported the matter to the police and they have been on the ground the whole day. One of our security guards was also injured and was taken to Shurugwi District hospital,”.