Zanu-PF activist threatens to shoot mine manager

THE Gwanda Youth in Mining branch chairman Philemon Mokuele was yesterday arraigned before the courts for allegedly pointing a pistol at a mine manager in a bid to take over operations at the gold rich, Geelong mine.

Youth in Mining is a shadowy organisation linked to the ruling Zanu-PF.

Mokuele (36), who contested and lost the local government elections on a Zanu-PF ticket in the 2013 elections, made a brief appearance at the Gwanda Magistrates' Courts before magistrate Olivia Mashava Mashaire.

He is being charged with breaching the Firearms Act, for knowingly and without lawful cause pointing a firearm at another person.

Mokuele was granted free bail, but ordered not to interfere with State witnesses and never to set foot at Geelong Mine until the finalisation of the case.

The court heard that on Sunday at around 11am, Mokuele arrived at the mine in the company of other committee members of his grouping, a mining engineer and a geologist, with the intention of carrying out a due diligence exercise.

They were met by Solomon Gatsi, the production manager for Emnqamlezweni Mining company, who greeted them and introduced himself.

However, Mokuele did not acknowledge the greetings and started shouting at Gatsi, saying their company was non-existent and that they were foreigners who should return to Bulawayo where they originate, since Geelong is in Gwanda.

"During the process, the accused person, who was aggressive, pulled out his P1 Star pistol, which he had, cocked it and pointed it at the complainant, while ordering him to leave the premises," the court heard.

"Sensing danger, the complainant left the scene and reported the matter to his boss and then to the police."

Mncedisi Dube prosecuted while Moukele was represented by McAllister Ncube.