KADOMA — Police have launched a manhunt for 16 unidentified armed robbers who pounced on a mine, force-marched workers into a shaft before loading 180kg of gold ore into their vehicle and driving off.Report by Own Correspondent
Mashonaland West acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera yesterday confirmed the incident which occurred last Wednesday.
Police said on October 24 at around 8pm at a mine belonging to Chirukamare Rogu in Patchway, Kadoma, the gang approached the mine armed with machetes, axes and multi-blade knives.
They found two mine employees Samuel Muchemwa (27) and Washington Taruziva (25) outside the shaft preparing a meal.
They struck the complainants all over the body with an axe and Taruziva fell unconscious. The robbers allegedly poured water on him and he regained consciousness.
“The accused force-marched complainants into the mine shaft together with another employee Archford Rudzi (30), whom they did not assault, and gave them sacks to load gold ore under their guard,” said Kohwera.
The matter was reported to ZRP Kadoma Central, but no arrests or recoveries had been made at the time of going to print.
“We appeal to the public to assist police to find the robbers and those with information should report to ZRP Kadoma or their nearest police station,” added Kohwera.
