Four Artisanal Miners Stoned Workmate to Death

Four Artisanal Miners Stoned Workmate to Death & Threw Him in a Mine Shaft

Four artisanal miners have been arrested after allegedly stoning their workmate to death at Fools mine in Hope-Fountain on 12 February before throwing him into a mine shaft.

According to a statement released by Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube the accused arrested are Wellington Phiri, Makhosi Mthethwa, Mlungisi Moyo, and Melusi Nkomo.

“On the 12th of February 2024 at around 2300 hours, the now deceased only known as Nkosinathi Ngoma and the accused persons were carrying out illegal mining at Fools mine, Hope-Fountain, Bulawayo,” said Inspector Ncube.

Dispute Over Gold Ore

He added, “A misunderstanding over gold ore ensued between them, resulting in the accused persons attacking the now deceased with stones and throwing him into the mine shaft. It is not clear whether the now deceased was already dead or alive before he was thrown into the mine shaft.”

In response to a police report, the accused individuals were arrested and taken into custody. The mine rescue team was called in to investigate, revealing blood stains in the shaft which was filled with water. Efforts to retrieve Ngoma’s body were delayed due to the conditions of the mine shaft.

Refrain from Violence

Inspector Ncube urged the public to refrain from using violence to settle disputes. He also warned against illegal mining, highlighting the dangers it poses to individuals involved.

“We urge members of the public not to use violence whenever they are settling their disputes as this leads to unnecessary loss of lives,” Inspector Ncube stated.

He continued, “We also warn the communities to desist from illegal mining as it endangers their lives.”