News / National
Soldier up for fraud
2 hrs ago |
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A soldier, Peace Shambari (28), appeared in Kwekwe provincial magistrate's court last Wednesday facing charges of fraud after allegedly defrauding gold miners of $1 100 at Dolomac 17 Mine. Shambari denied the charges.
According to the State, Shambari allegedly posed as a police officer from the minerals unit and, together with three accomplices, went to the mine last month. The group reportedly parked a Honda CRV in a nearby bush before proceeding on foot to the mine, where they took the money from Joseph Chipinge, claiming it was being confiscated as part of an official investigation. The money was reportedly intended for mine workers' salaries.
The State further alleges that Shambari attempted to break into the mine's high-security carbon room, where gold is stored. However, an alert security officer demanded identification, forcing the group to flee. They allegedly abandoned their vehicle and a cellphone, which was later retrieved by police.
A search of Shambari's car allegedly revealed 41 pieces of brass weighing 241.60 grammes and two machetes hidden under the carpet.
Shambari, through his lawyer Nomore Hlabano, told the court he was only hired by the three accomplices to provide transport. He claimed he remained in the car while the others went into the mine and was unaware of their activities. Hlabano added that Shambari was assaulted by complainants wielding sticks and machetes, forcing him to flee.
Shambari was granted $100 bail and remanded to February 17, 2026. Fiona Mkwena appeared for the State.
According to the State, Shambari allegedly posed as a police officer from the minerals unit and, together with three accomplices, went to the mine last month. The group reportedly parked a Honda CRV in a nearby bush before proceeding on foot to the mine, where they took the money from Joseph Chipinge, claiming it was being confiscated as part of an official investigation. The money was reportedly intended for mine workers' salaries.
The State further alleges that Shambari attempted to break into the mine's high-security carbon room, where gold is stored. However, an alert security officer demanded identification, forcing the group to flee. They allegedly abandoned their vehicle and a cellphone, which was later retrieved by police.
A search of Shambari's car allegedly revealed 41 pieces of brass weighing 241.60 grammes and two machetes hidden under the carpet.
Shambari, through his lawyer Nomore Hlabano, told the court he was only hired by the three accomplices to provide transport. He claimed he remained in the car while the others went into the mine and was unaware of their activities. Hlabano added that Shambari was assaulted by complainants wielding sticks and machetes, forcing him to flee.
Shambari was granted $100 bail and remanded to February 17, 2026. Fiona Mkwena appeared for the State.
Source - newsday
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