News / National
7-man-gang arrested for stealing gold ore
11 hrs ago | Views
A seven-member gang has appeared before the Gwanda Magistrates' Court facing charges of robbing 230 bags of gold ore from Olympus Mine in Gwanda.
The accused - Mcebisi Nyoni, Mthokozisi Maphosa, Paddington Nkomo, Christopher Dube, Raymond Makurane, Nomatter Ncube, and Proud Ncube - were not asked to plead during their initial remand hearing before Gwanda Provincial Magistrate Ms. Patience Madondo.
They were granted bail of US$50 each and remanded out of custody until December 12, 2024.
Prosecutor Mr. Shepherd Moyo outlined the events, stating that on November 20, 2024, at around 7:30 PM, the gang arrived at Olympus Mine armed with a machete, hammer, knives, and a metal rod.
"They threatened the complainant, demanding gold ore, claiming they needed to raise money for Christmas," said Mr. Moyo.
The mine's security guard fled in fear, leaving the accused to load 230 bags of gold ore from one of the shafts. They then transported the stolen ore to an unknown location using a hired vehicle.
The robbery was reported to the police, who launched investigations. The breakthrough came when officers apprehended the driver of the hired vehicle used in the heist.
The driver provided information that led to the arrest of the seven suspects. Efforts to track down additional accomplices, who remain at large, are ongoing.
The accused are expected to return to court on December 12, 2024, as investigations continue. Meanwhile, Olympus Mine authorities have not commented on the incident.
The case highlights ongoing challenges around illegal mining activities and criminal syndicates targeting gold-rich regions like Gwanda.
The accused - Mcebisi Nyoni, Mthokozisi Maphosa, Paddington Nkomo, Christopher Dube, Raymond Makurane, Nomatter Ncube, and Proud Ncube - were not asked to plead during their initial remand hearing before Gwanda Provincial Magistrate Ms. Patience Madondo.
They were granted bail of US$50 each and remanded out of custody until December 12, 2024.
Prosecutor Mr. Shepherd Moyo outlined the events, stating that on November 20, 2024, at around 7:30 PM, the gang arrived at Olympus Mine armed with a machete, hammer, knives, and a metal rod.
"They threatened the complainant, demanding gold ore, claiming they needed to raise money for Christmas," said Mr. Moyo.
The mine's security guard fled in fear, leaving the accused to load 230 bags of gold ore from one of the shafts. They then transported the stolen ore to an unknown location using a hired vehicle.
The robbery was reported to the police, who launched investigations. The breakthrough came when officers apprehended the driver of the hired vehicle used in the heist.
The driver provided information that led to the arrest of the seven suspects. Efforts to track down additional accomplices, who remain at large, are ongoing.
The accused are expected to return to court on December 12, 2024, as investigations continue. Meanwhile, Olympus Mine authorities have not commented on the incident.
The case highlights ongoing challenges around illegal mining activities and criminal syndicates targeting gold-rich regions like Gwanda.
Source - The Chronicle
