Three Artisanal Miners Killed Over A Woman
Police in Matabeleland South Province have launched a manhunt for four men in connection with the murder of three artisanal miners over a woman in Lumene, Gwanda District.
The suspects were only identified as Khumalo, Mdawini, Rasta and Godlwayo. They also work as artisanal miners around the Lumene area.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Inspector Loveness Mangena, on 15 December this year, Ephat Sibanda (31) and Brian Moyo (30), together with one man only identified as Shorty, were attacked after they allegedly kidnapped a man only identified as Prince whom they found in the company of his girlfriend.
One of the deceased claimed to also have an affair with the lady in question identified as Faith Moyo.
The three men took Prince to their tent where they interrogated him on why he was drinking with one of their girlfriends.
Meanwhile, Prince’s friends, that is, the artisanal miners who are now on the run, organised a rescue mission, and assaulted the three deceased persons with knobkerries, axes and iron bars and left them for dead.
By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the attackers had already fled. Said Inspector Mangena:
We are still investigating the case where three men were killed in a fight over a girlfriend in Lumene, Matabeleland South.
We hereby appeal to members of the public to assist by coming forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons.
We also urge members of the public to desist from carrying dangerous weapons. We appeal to the public to always use non-violent means to resolve conflicts.
