MARTIN MAWAYA
SILOBELA-A-35-year-old artisanal miner, Freeman Sibanda, was fatally struck on the head with an axe in a brutal attack over a long-standing dispute.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, around 8 PM.
The suspects, Priority Bhebhe and Elvis Mpofu, both from Mbombela Village in Silobela, had previously worked together with the deceased as artisanal miners, but their rivalry turned deadly on that fateful night.
On the day of the incident, Sibanda was in the company of Wiseman Mpofu and Bhebhe when they encountered Elvis.
An argument ensued, and during the altercation, Bhebhe produced an axe from his jacket and struck Sibanda on the head.
“The suspects fled the scene, leaving Sibanda to succumb to his injuries on the way to Silobela District Hospital,” said Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
Insp Mahoko appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of Bhebhe and Elvis to approach the nearest police station.
