A Gweru man, Colleen Ngwenya, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of a security guard at Ngwenya Mine, Lower Gweru. The tragic incident, which occurred in 2021, stemmed from a dispute between Ngwenya and the now-deceased security officer over the possession of weapons at the mine, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, on the day of the incident, the security guard confiscated Ngwenya’s knives, instructing him to retrieve them when leaving the mine. Later that day, Ngwenya ambushed the guard and stabbed him in the back and buttocks. The wounded guard was discovered by a passerby, who sought help, but unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries before assistance could arrive.
Ngwenya was arraigned before the Midlands High Court Circuit, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the fatal stabbing.
This case is one of many violent altercations in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, particularly in areas where artisanal mining is prominent. The rise of illegal mining has led to increasing conflicts over resources, often escalating into deadly violence. Many of these disputes involve the use of dangerous weapons like machetes and knives.
The Midlands High Court Circuit has played a key role in addressing these cases. During its recent session, the court completed a total of 60 cases, many of them involving violent disputes among miners. Of the cases heard, 24 offenders were convicted of murder, receiving sentences ranging from 18 years to life in prison. The remaining cases saw either reduced charges of culpable homicide or acquittals due to insufficient evidence.
Authorities, including the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), continue to express concern over the surge of violence in mining communities and are pushing for better regulation of the artisanal mining sector. As Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to expand, there is a growing need for conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure that disputes over mining claims do not result in further loss of life.
