The High Court of Zimbabwe has sentenced a gang of ten machete-wielding criminals to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of artisanal miner Kudakwashe Mapisa at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga on Christmas Day in 2023, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Nyasha Moyana, the leader of the gang, and nine others were convicted after being found guilty of assaulting Mapisa with a machete, resulting in his death.
The heinous crime occurred during a robbery targeting artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), a group increasingly attacked by violent gangs seeking to steal gold and gold ore from their operations. The gang, armed with machetes, mattocks, and knives, arrived at Redwing Mine in the early hours of the morning. At around 3 a.m., they held Mapisa and his colleagues hostage, threatening them with their weapons while forcing them to hand over valuable gold ore and other personal possessions.
Reports reveal that the gang ordered the miners to haul sacks of ore to the surface after robbing them of their gold. The situation escalated when the gang further assaulted Mapisa, delivering a fatal blow to his head with a machete before shoving him into a mine shaft. His remains were retrieved later that day.
The gang’s capture and subsequent conviction mark a significant moment in the fight against violent crimes plaguing the artisanal mining sector. Artisanal miners, who often operate without proper security, have been subjected to numerous attacks in recent years by organized machete-wielding gangs known as “Mashurugwi” or “machete gangs.” These criminals frequently invade mining sites, stealing gold and gold ore, leaving many artisanal miners in fear for their safety.
The Zimbabwean government has been working to address the growing violence within the ASM sector, with the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) emphasizing its commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. The sentencing of Moyana and his gang serves as a stern warning to others involved in similar activities.
As part of Zimbabwe’s broader campaign to tackle crime and corruption, authorities have called for increased security measures in the gold mining sector, particularly for artisanal miners who have become prime targets for criminal gangs. Efforts are being made to implement stricter regulations and bolster law enforcement to protect both miners and the country’s valuable resources.
The brutal nature of the attack has shocked the community, with calls for even tougher penalties and improved protection for artisanal miners. The #NoToMurder and #NoToViolentCrimes campaigns continue to gain momentum as the government works to ensure that violent crimes against miners are eradicated.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners across Zimbabwe, underscoring the need for both local and national authorities to enhance their response to the ongoing threat posed by machete-wielding gangs in mining areas.
