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Courtney Matende, Midlands Reporter

POLICE in Zhombe have launched a manhunt for eight artisanal miners who allegedly stabbed two fellow miners, killing one and leaving the other for dead in a gold turf war. 

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Joel Goko, confirmed the incident which left Leo Ncube dead and his friend Prince Makonza seriously injured.

He said the incident occurred at Bob’s Business Centre in Zhombe.

“Police in Zhombe have launched a manhunt for eight suspected miners who allegedly murdered Leo Ncube and left Prince Makonza for dead in a gold turf war,” he said. 

Insp Goko said the eight suspects allegedly led by one Denis Moyo and his brothers were on a revenge mission after accusing a rival group led by Makonza of mining at an undisclosed mine. 

“The gang led by Moyo arrived at Bob’s Business Centre in Zhombe and found Ncube and his friend Makonza drinking beer in a bar. Upon entering the bar the suspects allegedly started assaulting the patrons indiscriminately with empty beer bottles hitting Prince on the head and stabbing him with knives several times all over the body.”

“Ncube sensed danger and ran out of the bar to get into his car but the suspects caught up with him and stabbed him all over the body in front of his younger brother. The suspects disappeared into the darkness,” he said.

Insp Goko said Ncube succumbed to the injuries while Makonza was hospitalised. 

He said a report was made to the police in Zhombe who attended the scene. 

Insp Goko appealed to members of the public to help the police find the suspects. 

“The police are appealing to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of Denis and his brothers Mncedisi, Descent, Mthabisi all of Village 17, Chief Gwesela, Zhombe and their four other accomplices to make a report to any nearest police station or make use of the suggestion boxes nearer to them,” he said.

Ins Goko appealed to members of the public to respect the sanctity of life to avoid such incidents.