Gold panner stabbed over panning site

A 20-year-old illegal gold panner from Mazowe is battling for life at Concession Hospital after he was allegedly stabbed with  a knife by a colleague yesterday following a dispute over a panning site at Bailford Farm.

Acting Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed the incident.

Asst Insp Masikati said they have since arrested Hamilton Simati (35) for attempted murder and he is assisting them with investigations.

He said  Clemence Chatima is admitted at Concession Hospital where his condition was serious.

"We received a report of Clemence Chatima of Bailford Farm who was stabbed by Simati during a brawl over a panning site," said Asst Insp Masikati.

"We have since arrested Simati who is in custody assisting us with investigations."

Asst Insp Masikati said on the fateful day at around 3pm, Chatima was panning gold at the farm when Simati came and he started complaining that Chatima had invaded his site and a dispute ensued.

During the dispute, Simati allegedly drew a gravity knife and stabbed Chatima on the face and the right arm which resulted in him bleeding profusely.

Chatima sustained two deep cuts on the face and on the right hand.

A report was made at Mazowe Police Station whose officers attended the scene and rushed Chatima to Concession Hospital before arresting Simati.