Man in court over US$650 000 gold ore theft

A 32-year-old Mudzi man accused of stealing more than 2 153 tonnes of gold ore worth nearly US$650 000 from a mining company in Makaha has been granted bail despite opposition from police and the State.

Tadeas Dumba Bote of Tonge village, under Chief Nyakuchena, appeared before Mutoko magistrate Chiedza Gatsi on Friday facing a theft charge. He was granted US$400 bail and is set to return to court on September 19 for trial.

Investigating officer Lunga of the CID Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit had opposed bail, arguing that Bote had acquired a Toyota single cab vehicle with proceeds of the stolen ore, which police were yet to recover. The officer also told the court that Bote had threatened witnesses and that a large portion of the stolen gold ore was still missing.

Bote, represented by lawyer Cleopas Mvuto of Mudimu and Partners, challenged the application, arguing that the State had no concrete evidence linking him to the theft.

According to court papers, the accused allegedly stole the ore from Milmath Security Mine in Mudzi between July and August this year. He is said to have transported it using hired trucks before purchasing the vehicle now under police investigation.

Police managed to recover only US$7 200 worth of the gold ore, leaving more than US$640 000 in losses.

Vimbai Rufurokuda represented the State.