Miner killed with spear in illegal mining clash

Danisa Masuku

A man from Filabusi was stabbed to death with a spear after being caught by a group of illegal miners, known as amakorokoza, at a mine during the night.

The group, led by Farai Mpunzi, was armed with various weapons, including a spear, machetes, axes and a knife. 

The group members included Anele Sibanda, Ndodana Sibanda, Mqondisi Moyo, Luckious Ncube and Obvious Nyoni.

Mpunzi and his accomplices recently appeared before Bulawayo High Court Judge, Naison Chivayo,  facing a murder charge. 

They pleaded not guilty, but after the trial, they were found guilty and each sentenced to 17 years in jail. 

The court heard that Mpunzi and his accomplices went to a mine at night and found Eric Sibanda and his cousin there. 

Mpunzi introduced himself as the group’s leader and questioned Eric and his cousin about their presence at the mine. 

The deceased and his cousin explained that they were passing by on their way home. Eric ran away, but Mpunzi and his team chased after him. 

They caught up with him and Mpunzi stabbed him twice with a spear. 

Eric fell to the ground and bled profusely. The group then fled the scene. 

Eric’s cousin arrived moments later and found him writhing in pain in a pool of blood. He tried to help Eric but was unable to stop the bleeding.

 Eric died in his cousin’s arms.