Zimpapers Logo

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
AN Esigodini gold baron has been arrested after he shot a man who was part of a nine-man gang armed with axes, machetes, spears and knives that allegedly attempted to kill him.

Mr Baron Dube of Habane Area shot Mr Nyasha Nkiwane who allegedly attempted to axe him at his bar in Esigodini.

Mr Dube yesterday told The Chronicle that he shot Mr Nkiwane on the right thigh while another bullet grazed him on the right shoulder.

He said he had been released while investigations were in progress.

Mr Nkiwane is admitted at an undisclosed hospital for security reasons where his condition is said to be stable. The incident occurred at around 9PM at Dube’s Sharks Bar on Tuesday.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele yesterday confirmed the shooting incident saying investigations were underway.

“I can confirm that we received a report of a man who was shot at Sharks Bar. Circumstances of what transpired are not yet clear but we arrested Baron Dube on charges of attempted murder and he is assisting police with investigations.

“People shouldn’t take the law into their own hands but allow authorities to deal with these issues,” said Insp Ndebele.

Mr Dube said he shot Mr Nkiwane in self defence during a vicious attack in which the latter was aided by eight accomplices.

He said he fired two shots into the air trying to scare the gang away but they refused to back off. “As I sat at the counter in my bar, Nkiwane, one of the ring leaders of a notorious gang of gold panners, walked in and sat right next to me. He was heavily armed with knives and an axe which he placed on the counter in front of him.

“He sat there for more than 10 minutes without ordering anything making me quite uneasy. I asked him what was up with all the weapons and he calmly said they were for self protection,” said Mr Dube.

He said after about 30 minutes, Mr Nkiwane stood up and left.

“A minute after he left, some youths from the local community came running into the bar saying armed gangsters were heading towards my bar. I quickly phoned police on their hotline number, informing them that there were disturbances in my bar. A group of about nine heavily armed men stepped into the bar, causing patrons to run for cover,” said Mr Dube. “Nkiwane came back and sat next to me again. He ordered me not to attempt to call the police or else they would kill me. One of them approached the DJ instructing him to play a specific Ndolwane Super Sounds song which they all danced to”.

Hiding under the big jacket that he wore, Mr Dube said he sent about four SMSes to the police, updating them on the situation because they were taking too long to arrive.

“On several occasions, I dialled their number but wouldn’t talk on the phone, just trying to make them hear what was happening in the background.

Suddenly one of the gang members stormed into the bar saying police had come. They all dashed out and as usual, disappeared into the darkness. Police came in and I related to them what had happened and they all went out saying they were rushing to look for the suspects at nearby bars,” he said.

Mr Dube said after a few minutes, the gang stormed in again.

“They were seething with rage and demanded to know why I had disobeyed them and called the police,” he said.

“They all stood around me, waving their weapons in front of my face. I drew my pistol and fired two shots outside but they seemed unmoved and were all baying for my blood. As Nkiwane attempted to axe me, I fired another shot missing his shoulder and when he continue to attack me, I shot him on the thigh,” he said.

Mr Dube said the gang scattered and fled, leaving Mr Nkiwane writhing in pain on the floor.  He said he has been involved in a number of shootouts with rival gold gangs over the years on the streets of Habane suburb. — @winnie_masara