FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- Tawanda Fanosi (55) a security guard at Renco Mine has been sentenced to an effective 24 months in prison after he was convicted of attempted murder for shooting an illegal gold panner during an incident at the mine earlier this year.
He appeared before at Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura facing a charge of attempted murder.
Liberty Hove prosecuted.
The court heard that on April 18, 2026, Fanosi was on guard duty at Renco Mine armed with a
At around 6pm, Martin Muzembi (34), of Muzembi Village under Chief Nyajena and his brother Mike entered the Atlas area of the mine where they were illegally extracting gold ore.
The three security guards confronted the pair, prompting Mike Muzembi to flee the scene.
Fanosi then fired a shot, striking Martin Muzembi on the left lower leg and causing him to collapse.
Instead of arresting the complainant or rendering first aid after the shooting, Fanosi and his colleagues fled the scene, leaving the injured man behind.
According to evidence presented in court, Muzembi later regained consciousness and managed to walk in search of help. He was assisted by Cuthbert Mukado, who accompanied him to ZRP Renco to file a police report. He was subsequently referred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where doctors treated the deep gunshot wound and compiled a medical affidavit.
Investigating officer Detective Brian Muruma of CID Masvingo told the court that a visit to the crime scene led to the recovery of a spent shotgun cartridge while blood stains were also observed, indicating the complainant had been shot at close range.
The court found Fanosi guilty as charged of attempted murder.
Magistrate Bepura sentenced him to 36 months imprisonment, with part of the sentence suspended, leaving him to serve an effective 24 months in prison.
