The Sunday News
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
NINE men have been arraigned before the courts for allegedly invading and stealing over eight tonnes of gold ore at Happy Valley C Mine in Hope Fountain while armed with an assortment of weapons.
They also stole a cellphone and a charger. The nine accused persons – Takunda Makiyi (36), Sijabuliso Ncube (41), Gift Mnkandla (23), Chrispen Sibanda (42), Perfect Nkomo (23), Michael Moyo (21), Jabulani Sibanda (24), Mthokozisi Moyo (22) and Passmore Mugucha (22) – appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Elisha Singano on Friday charged with four counts of robbery or alternatively theft of gold ore. They were remanded in custody to 2 December.
According to State papers, the gang went to the mine four times between 8 November and 16 November and stole more than eight tonnes of gold ore.
The State told the court that on 8 November one or more of the accused persons proceeded to Happy Valley C Mine in two motor vehicles armed with machetes, spears, hammer, chisel and iron rod to induce fear on Nqobile Tshabangu representing Happy Valley C Mine who had lawful control over three tonnes of gold ore which was in a crushing bin, forcing him to relinquish control.
Using the same modus operandi, the gang visited the mine again on 11 November and threatened Tshabangu with harm forcing him to give over three tonnes of gold ore. On the third count, it is alleged that the gang proceeded to the mine on 14 November and stole more than two tonnes of gold ore.
On the fourth count it is alleged in two motor vehicles and armed with machetes, spears, hammer, chisel and iron rod, unlawfully and intentionally took one Samsung A32 cellphone without a sim card, a cellphone charger and one black satchel and gold ore.
The gang is being charged with robbery with the State also giving theft of gold as an alternative charge.
The gang had initially indicated that they were employed and were acting under the instruction of their employer who the court requested to be brought to book together with them. -@nyeve14
