TWO Marange villagers appeared in court on Saturday charged with panning for diamonds in the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond-controlled gem fields in Chiadzwa.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
But, Tapiwa Cloud (24) from Farikai Village and Masimba Simango (23) from Kuudzewe Village, both in Marange, denied charges of contravening the Mines and Minerals Act when they appeared before Mutare magistrate Poterai Gwezhira.
It is the State’s case that on the August 11, Cloud and Simango trespassed into the protected diamond fields and started mining using iron bars.
When the company’s security guards, Messiah Musoperi and Shade Madoro, confronted them, the suspects allegedly took to their heels.
They were, however, arrested and caged after they failed to produce permits authorising them to prospect for minerals.
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The matter is set to be heard today, where the suspects are expected to mitigate.