News / National
Gold panner stabbed 7 times struggling for life
25 Nov 2017 at 01:08hrs | Views
A 34-YEAR-OLD suspected illegal gold panner is battling for life after he was stabbed seven times when rivals attacked him during a gold mine wrangle in Fort Rixon.
Anele Ncube of New Eclipse Mine, Shangani, was stabbed and pelted with stones by two unidentified men who lured him out of a bar on Tuesday at around 9PM. They took him to a secluded place where they accused him of meddling in their mining business and assaulted him.
Ncube sustained seven stab wounds on his back and body injuries. He was rushed to Shangani Rural Hospital before being transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) due to the severity of his condition.
The suspects fled from the scene and are still on the run.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the attempted murder case and said investigations were underway.
"We are investigating a case of attempted murder where two unknown males assaulted, stabbed and stoned a man in an alleged gold mine wrangle. The man sustained seven stab wounds and several body injuries and is hospitalised.
"The unidentified suspects are still on the run and we appeal to members of the public who may know their whereabouts to contact the police," he said.
Insp Ndebele urged people to resolve their disputes amicably without resorting to fighting.
A source who preferred anonymity said Ncube was drinking beer at Farai Munashe Bar when two unknown men approached him and took him outside the bar.
"They said they wanted to discuss something with him and should go outside. He followed them outside to a secluded place only to be attacked. They accused him of disturbing their business at New Eclipse Mine".
Chief Jahana expressed concern over the increase in cases of murder and assault in Fort Rixon.
He said illegal miners were giving the community bad publicity through committing murder and assaults.
"I am very worried about the increased cases of violence in Fort 9. They are tarnishing the image of my area of jurisdiction and the police based in the area. Police are always up in arms with the same groups of people and this calls for behaviour change.
"I am urging villagers to put an end to such behaviour because it only lands them in jail. People should learn to live in peace and harmony. When there are misunderstandings, they should learn to consult and engage third parties like family members, police, community leaders and churches," said Chief Jahana.
Anele Ncube of New Eclipse Mine, Shangani, was stabbed and pelted with stones by two unidentified men who lured him out of a bar on Tuesday at around 9PM. They took him to a secluded place where they accused him of meddling in their mining business and assaulted him.
Ncube sustained seven stab wounds on his back and body injuries. He was rushed to Shangani Rural Hospital before being transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) due to the severity of his condition.
The suspects fled from the scene and are still on the run.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the attempted murder case and said investigations were underway.
"We are investigating a case of attempted murder where two unknown males assaulted, stabbed and stoned a man in an alleged gold mine wrangle. The man sustained seven stab wounds and several body injuries and is hospitalised.
"The unidentified suspects are still on the run and we appeal to members of the public who may know their whereabouts to contact the police," he said.
Insp Ndebele urged people to resolve their disputes amicably without resorting to fighting.
A source who preferred anonymity said Ncube was drinking beer at Farai Munashe Bar when two unknown men approached him and took him outside the bar.
"They said they wanted to discuss something with him and should go outside. He followed them outside to a secluded place only to be attacked. They accused him of disturbing their business at New Eclipse Mine".
Chief Jahana expressed concern over the increase in cases of murder and assault in Fort Rixon.
He said illegal miners were giving the community bad publicity through committing murder and assaults.
"I am very worried about the increased cases of violence in Fort 9. They are tarnishing the image of my area of jurisdiction and the police based in the area. Police are always up in arms with the same groups of people and this calls for behaviour change.
"I am urging villagers to put an end to such behaviour because it only lands them in jail. People should learn to live in peace and harmony. When there are misunderstandings, they should learn to consult and engage third parties like family members, police, community leaders and churches," said Chief Jahana.
Source - chronicle
