The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
THE gang leader of illegal gold panners, who recently forced themselves into Redwing Mine in Penhalonga after they attacked security guards with machetes and axes, has been slapped with a three-year jail sentence after he was found guilty of public violence and theft.
Senior Mutare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe acquitted three other suspects as there was no incriminating evidence against them.
Zondai Urayayi (24) will, however, serve 30 months behind bars after six months of the sentence were set aside on condition of good behaviour.
His alleged accomplices — Theophelus Gapara (28), Godfrey Dzingirayi (42) and Darlington Mutsingo (26) — were acquitted.
Urayayi was in the company of several other illegal gold panners who are stiil at large. District public prosecutor Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira told the court that the Urayayi and his accomplices pounced on the mine armed with machetes and axes. They went to the security guards’ cabin demanding access to pan for gold.
“After being refused access, the gang attacked the security guards, leading the latter to run for dear life. The suspects then destroyed the cabins. The three security guards — Trybet Madzikatire, Denford Katyora and Walter Mhosva — fired warning shots into the air which dispersed the accused persons,” said Mr Dzivakwe.
During the commotion, the suspects also stole a shovel, a pick and a 15-metre-long rope. A report was made and investigations were carried out by the police leading to the arrest of the quartet.
Last week eight illegal gold panners who were arrested in Odzi following an operation to flush out unlawful prospecting along the river were slapped with a two-year jail term each after they were found guilty by Mr Mahwe.
The suspects — Kasper Makoni (29), Luckson Sithole (23), Wonderful Chivandire (32), Vincent Mafungo (26), John Sithole (40), Pardon Nyazika (22) and Blesward Chiwanza (26) — were charged for contravening Section 368 of the Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05) which prohibits the prospecting of minerals without a permit or licence.
Mr Mutyasira urged the court to slap the suspects with a jail term in order to send a clear message to would-be offenders. He said illegal gold panners were causing massive land degradation as well as becoming a nuisance in society through their violent behaviour.
Allegations were that the suspects were arrested at Premier Central in Penhalonga by police officers who were on patrol targeting illegal gold panners.
They were caught panning for gold using shovels and picks.
They were subsequently arrested. A total of 186 illegal panners were arrested during the operation. The cases are still pending at the courts.
