Shurugwi – A security guard at Tebekwe gold mine in Shurugwi has tragically died following an alleged attack by an artisanal miner who had trespassed onto the company’s claim via an underground tunnel on Friday night. The incident has prompted a police investigation and renewed calls for vigilance in the mining town.
Tirivanhu Muradzikwa, the deceased security guard, was reportedly attacked during a confrontation with a group of illegal miners who had entered the mine through an underground access point.
In the aftermath of the incident, two of the intruders, identified as Munyaradzi Gonye and Clever Magura, were apprehended by Tebekwe mine security guards after warning shots were fired during a fierce altercation within the mine’s tunnels.
Tebekwe Mine chief security officer, Derick Dube, confirmed the incident and stated that the mine is collaborating closely with the police to apprehend the remaining suspects, who are currently at large.
Dube revealed that authorities believe some of the suspects remain hidden within the mine’s extensive underground network, engaging in a cat-and-mouse game with security personnel. The intruders’ suspected exit points have been sealed off in an attempt to contain them.
“We managed to scare them away after firing the warning shots, and they retreated, but we managed to arrest two,” Dube explained. “The other ones, about three of them, are still underground, and since the mine is big, and with many levels, we are failing to locate them, but all their illegal exit points are sealed off.”
Dube further stated that the search for the remaining suspects will extend beyond the mine itself, with efforts focused on the town of Shurugwi. He referenced a previous successful operation where a notorious illegal miner, known as Jamba, was apprehended and subsequently jailed. “We will also be going to look for the other suspects in Shurugwi (town), like we did last time when we managed to arrest a notorious illegal miner by the name Jamba, who ended up in jail,” Dube said.
Tebekwe Mine has pledged to continue its collaboration with the police, providing resources to combat crimes such as gold theft, which have plagued the mining town.
The mine’s security measures have also extended to the surrounding community, with patrols conducted at night. According to reports, incidents of housebreaking and mugging have decreased in the neighbourhood since River Valley proprietor Smelly Dube acquired the mine a few years ago.
This is not the first incident of its kind at Tebekwe Mine. Last year, another illegal miner was fatally shot by security personnel after being discovered trespassing underground.
Bulawayo Hit by Wave of Armed Robberies
Bulawayo – The city of Bulawayo has been rattled by a surge in armed robberies, with at least five incidents reported within a matter of days. Four of these attacks occurred in the early hours of the same night in the Luveve and Old Luveve suburbs, raising concerns about a coordinated crime wave.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incidents and stated that police are actively investigating the cases. The robberies involved heavily armed suspects who targeted both businesses and private homes.
“The police are investigating five armed robbery cases which occurred in Bulawayo on different occasions, with a disturbing pattern and the use of dangerous weapons,” said Insp Msebele.
The initial incident occurred on December 17 at approximately 7pm at Hillside Shopping Centre. Two security guards, aged 37 and 60, were ambushed while on cash-in-transit duty shortly after parking their vehicle.
“They were approached by four male suspects, one armed with a pistol and a log, all wearing face masks. The suspects fired shots at the complainant’s vehicle, prompting him to fire back,” Insp Msebele explained.
Following an exchange of gunfire, the suspects fled the scene in their getaway vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
However, the situation escalated on December 20, when a series of armed robberies were carried out within a single hour in Old Luveve and Luveve 5. These incidents have sparked fears of a coordinated crime spree targeting residents in these areas.
At approximately 2am, three armed men wearing balaclavas forcibly entered a house in Old Luveve. Armed with a machete, iron rods, and a suspected pistol, they confronted a 42-year-old man, his wife, and their child, demanding cash.
“The complainant surrendered US$24, after which the suspects ransacked the house and stole two cellphones valued at US$420,” Insp Msebele reported.
A mere 15 minutes later, another household in the same suburb fell victim to a similar attack. A 47-year-old man was threatened with death as the suspects forced open his door and demanded money, ultimately making off with US$420 and R500.
The attacks continued at approximately 2.45am, when a 21-year-old man was robbed of US$200 cash belonging to his mother. The suspects then struck again at around 3am in Luveve 5.
In the final reported incident, a 50-year-old man was threatened at gunpoint and robbed of a substantial sum of cash, amounting to over US$10 000. The money had been stored in a wallet, jacket, and wardrobe.
Insp Msebele expressed concern over the nature of the crimes, particularly the concentration of robberies within such a short period.
“The use of pistols, machetes and iron rods, and the fact that several houses were targeted on the same night, shows the seriousness of these offences,” she stated.
Police have urged residents to exercise increased vigilance and reinforce their home security measures.
“We urge members of the public to tighten their home security by securing doors and windows with strong locks and installing burglar bars. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects should report at the nearest police station,” Insp Msebele advised.
As of the time of the statement, no arrests had been made in connection with the Bulawayo robberies. The police investigation remains ongoing.
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