Manager jailed over armed gold mine raid

A Bulawayo project manager has traded boardrooms for a prison cell after allegedly masterminding a violent armed robbery at a gold mine on the outskirts of the city.

Andrew Munemo (47), of Paddonhurst suburb and employed by Posse Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware facing charges of armed robbery. He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 17 October 2025.

According to the State, Munemo allegedly conspired with accomplices - identified as Innocent Siziba and Professor Moyo, who are still at large - to raid Inyoka B Gold Mine at Hope Fountain, owned by Pretty Gumbi (61) of Pumula South.

Prosecutors said that sometime in April, the suspects arrived at the mine in a white Toyota GD6 and a white Quantum, armed with guns and machetes. Upon arrival, they reportedly rounded up mine workers and ordered them to one side. When the miners resisted, the gang allegedly fired warning shots into the air, forcing them to flee in panic.

The group then allegedly seized control of the mine and began operating it as if it were their own. Property valued at approximately US$5 000 was stolen during the raid, none of which has been recovered.

The incident was later reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Matopo, leading to Munemo's arrest on 23 August. His co-accused remain at large.

Sheilla Nyathi appeared for the State.