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Chipo Sabeta Chinhoyi Bureau
ELEVEN men have appeared before Kadoma Magistrates Court for allegedly robbing a mine in Eiffel Flats, Kadoma, last year. Brian Rushwaya (39), Cephas Moyi (18), Peer Pofu (32), Samuel Mpofu (24), Levison Banda (42), Vincent Sango (49), Tinashe Murambwa (33), Vigilant Mutandwa (26), Semieon Kativhu (28), David Makeche (42) and Temnba Semu allegedly used firearms at Tolrose Mine before stealing gold concentrate. They allegedly got away with 6 000 grammes of gold concentrate, two copper plates containing approximately 80 grammes of gold amalgam and gold taping blanket containing approximately 100 grammes of gold amalgam.

At Kadoma magistrates court, the 11 accused persons faced an armed robbery charge as defined in Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. Before provincial magistrate Mr Amos Mbobo, they were also charged with public violence as defined in Section 36 of the Criminal Law. They all pleaded not guilty. It is alleged that on November 17 last year, the 11 stormed and violently evicted employees at Tolrose Mine. They were allegedly armed with guns and chased away mine residents and fired shots at the guards.

The alleged robbers reportedly switched off electricity for all staff houses before they ordered them to leave the premises. They also fired shots towards the security guard rooms and residence, thereby disturbing peace of the public. In a bid to chase away mine workers, the alleged robbers also used stones and catapults, while invading the mine. The alleged thieves cut the padlock and forced open a bore mill separator and stole the gold concentrate.

They put them in their van and fled. Mpofu, Makeche, Banda, Muru, Semu were released on bail, whilst the remainder are in custody. The alleged robbers are being represented by Josiah Maupa of Maupa and Partners and their matter will be heard on October 23. Mr Reginald Chaora prosecuted.