Nyanga gold panner up for attempted murder

A GOLD stampede almost claimed the life of a Nyanga woman Itai Nyakuba (38) when her mining rival hurled huge boulders underneath the mineshaft she was working in, seriously injuring and knocking her unconscious in the process.

Givemore Renzva (46) of Chidhende Village under Chief Katerere in Nyanga accused Itai of encroaching into his mining claims. The incident took place on Monday.

The pair shares a common boundary at Chisero Mine in Chidhende Village which is known for rich gold deposits which has attracted hundreds of illegal miners. Renzva was on Wednesday hurled before Nyanga magistrate, Mrs Gloria Takundwa on charges of contravening Section 47 (1) as read with Section 189 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23 which criminalise attempted murder.

Prosecuting, Mrs Anesu Tsikwa opposed bail, saying investigations were not yet complete and if released, Renzva was likely to commit similar offences and interfere with investigations and witnesses. Mrs Takundwa remanded Renzva in custody to May 19.

He was ordered to apply for bail at the High Court. Mrs Tsikwa said Itai was working on her claim when Victor Chiwaya’ son shouted on top of his voice, accusing her of encroaching into Renzva’s gold claim.

This did not go down with Renzva, who abandoned what he was doing to investigate. Mrs Tsikwa said Renzva entered the mineshaft using another entrance and moved towards the mining intersection.

“While there, Itai saw him throwing heavy stones down the mining shaft. The heavy stones were aimed at the complainant and she was hit on both legs, sustained serious injuries and lost consciousness in the process. She was later retrieved in that state and rushed to Nyanga District Hospital where she treated and later discharged,” said Mrs Tsikwa.

Mrs Tsikwa said a medical examination performed on Itai indicated that she sustained severe injuries.