In a landmark ruling, the Midlands Special High Court Circuit has sentenced Evans Fungato, a 32-year-old employee of Jinan Mining Company in Gweru, to 20 years in prison for the murder of 23-year-old Kudakwashe Midzi, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The incident, which occurred on October 19, 2019, in Dongo B Compound, Shurugwi, highlights efforts to tackle violent crimes in mining communities during the period from 2016 to 2019.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the tragic event unfolded when Fungato confronted Midzi and his friends, Witness Maroora and Cruise Professor Chandigere, while wielding an axe. Fungato ordered Midzi to stay behind and struck him on the head with the back of the axe, rendering him unconscious. He then attempted to attack Maroora but was disarmed by Chandigere. Midzi was rushed to Shurugwi Hospital and later transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 27, 2019.
The sentencing of Fungato comes as the Midlands High Court Circuit continues to make significant progress in addressing its backlog of cases, particularly those involving violent crimes in mining communities. In its first week of hearings, the court completed 60 cases, including 24 murder convictions with sentences ranging from 18 years to life imprisonment.
The NPAZ has attributed this progress to the establishment of special circuit courts, authorized by the Chief Justice, which have expedited the resolution of long-pending cases. These courts have been particularly effective in addressing the disproportionately high number of murder cases involving artisanal miners, where disputes over claims and resources often escalate into deadly confrontations.
The mining sector, especially among artisanal miners during the period from 2016 to 2019, saw a surge in violent disputes, often fueled by the use of dangerous weapons such as machetes, axes, and knives. Illegal mining hotspots, which host large numbers of unregulated miners, were becoming notorious for violent altercations, frequently resulting in fatalities.
The NPAZ has emphasized the importance of these special circuit courts in bringing justice to affected families and communities.
“These courts are critical for addressing the backlog of cases and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable,” the NPAZ stated.
While the special circuit courts have made significant strides in reducing the backlog of cases, the frequency of violent incidents in the mining sector remains a pressing concern. Authorities, including the NPAZ, have called for additional interventions to address the root causes of these disputes and prevent further loss of life.
As Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector continues to grow, the need for regulation, conflict resolution mechanisms, and community engagement has become increasingly urgent. The success of the special circuit courts offers hope for a more efficient judicial process and a safer environment for mining communities.
