News / National
Landmine kills two men, blows off another man's legs off
02 Sep 2012 at 08:34hrs | Views
Two men were killed in Rushinga last week while a third had his leg blown off when a landmine they mistook for a bicycle part exploded as they were cutting it.
Acting Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed the incident.
"As they walked home, they met one Donito Mathos, a Mozambican, from whom they borrowed a hacksaw.
"The two then went behind a granary and started cutting the 'metal object' into a shape they desired. The landmine subsequently, exploded on them."
Donito, who was about 100 metres away, had his leg blown off and was admitted to Mount Darwin Hospital.
Asst Insp Masikati urged villagers living along the country's borders to desist from picking unfamiliar objects.
"Landmines are still there, especially in border areas.
"We urge people to be extra careful to avoid such unfortunate and fatal incidents," he said.
An estimated 1,5 million anti-personnel mines are believed to have been planted along Zimbabwe's borders by the colonial Smith regime during the liberation struggle.
Acting Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed the incident.
"As they walked home, they met one Donito Mathos, a Mozambican, from whom they borrowed a hacksaw.
"The two then went behind a granary and started cutting the 'metal object' into a shape they desired. The landmine subsequently, exploded on them."
Asst Insp Masikati urged villagers living along the country's borders to desist from picking unfamiliar objects.
"Landmines are still there, especially in border areas.
"We urge people to be extra careful to avoid such unfortunate and fatal incidents," he said.
An estimated 1,5 million anti-personnel mines are believed to have been planted along Zimbabwe's borders by the colonial Smith regime during the liberation struggle.
Source - SM
