MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Recurrent artisanal wars in the gold rich scenic town of Shurugwi have left two miners dead within 12 hours this week, The Midweek Watch can reveal.
The alleged killing spree has reminded the Shurugwi community of rowdy machete gangs who once caused menace and havoc in the area.
On Wednesday around 9pm, Brighton Vhudzijena, aged 25 years of Village Hakurimwi under Chief Nyakunhuwa, Jerera in Zaka, was blown to death after explosives were set on a wooden cabin he had hidden in during the scuffle with a gang of men who stormed their mine at Wanderer mining complex.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incidents to The Midweek Watch.
He said the gang was armed with an assortment of weapons and explosives.
“Sensing danger Fanuel bolted away while Bvudzijena hid in a wooden cabin which was nearby.
“The gang tied the cabin door with a wire and set explosives which exploded and burned the cabin down,” he said.
Insp Mahoko added that Bvudzijena’s body was found lying with serious burns and wounds by his brother Fanuel yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Shurugwi District hospital where he was admitted and died the following day.
Insp Mahoko added that yesterday in the morning, Munyaradzi Hapazari of ZBS Shurugwi, Gashia Muchena and Ndumiso Chidaushe killed Tafadzwa Nkata using axes, machetes and other sharp objects at Gutsaruzhinji Cooperative.
The trio met Nkata (25) and Nhamo Mapiye who wanted to process their gold ore and then suddenly fired two shots into the air which caused the deceased and Mapiya to run away.
However, “Hapazari, Muchena and Chidaushe pursued them and caught up with Nkata whom they assaulted using axes, machetes and other sharp objects and he died on the spot while the gang ran away,” added Insp Mahoko saying investigations are underway.
