By Staff writer
IN an apparent lack of respect for the sanctity of life, two miners lost their lives in Shurugwi, in a space of 24 hours due to fights over the precious mineral as the wars over gold escalate to alarming levels.
This has attracted the concern of the ZRP, who are worried that the situation may get worse if stern measures are not taken by stakeholders involved.
On Wednesday, 25 year old Brighton Vhudzijena was brutally murdered in typical vigilante style after the cabin where he had to scurry for cover was blown away using explosives by a rival gang.
What may read as a script from an action movie has actually become the norm in some parts of Shurugwi.
According to ZRP midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the incident took place around 2100 at Vital mine in Wanderer, Shurugwi.
It is alleged a gang stormed the mine armed with different kinds of weapons and explosives harboring criminal intentions.
Vhudzijena was in the company of his brother Fanuel, after sensing danger, Fanuel managed to escape while Brighton took cover in a wooden cabin.
“The gang tied the cabin door with a wire and set explosives which exploded and burned the cabin,” Insp Mahoko said.
“The following morning Fanuel returned and discovered Brighton lying with serious burns and wounds. He was rushed to Shurugwi District hospital where he was admitted.”
Unfortunately, Brighton succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack and passed on the following day.
In a related incident, Tafadzwa Nkata (25),of Village 10, Sosombe, Zhombe was assaulted to death at Gutsaruzhinji cooperative in Shurugwi.
Police say on the morning of Thursday 9 November, a gang of three arrived at the cooperative where they were on a revenge mission.
They met Nkata and a colleague Nhamo Mapiye who were on their way to processing gold ore.
“The group fired two shots into the air, Nkata and Mapiye bolted away and the group pursued them,” Insp Mahoko said.
“They caught up with Tafadzwa and assaulted him using axes, machetes and other sharp objects.”
He subsequently died on the spot. The assailants have been identified as Munyaradzi Hapazari of ZBS, Shurugwi,Gashia Muchena and Ndumiso Chidaushe.
