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Fungai Lupande : Court Reporter

A Mozambican man who threw explosives at a security guard manning Shamva Gold Mine in Bindura in 2010 after being intercepted while stealing gold ore, was arrested this year following the theft of explosives in the same town. Farai Fundi (35) was given away by his amputated left hand index finger. He was remanded in hospital to September 1, by Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe.The matter was referred to Bindura Magistrates’ Court.

He is facing robbery and murder charges.

After his arrest on robbery charges, it was discovered that Fundi was on a warrant for the murder of Shamva Mine security guard, Tinos Machingauta.

The prosecutor Mr Peter Kachirika alleged that on April 4, 2010, Fundi teamed with Sunganai Fundi, Norest Givemore Komore, Shepherd Chimoyo, Tedius Gwaze, Godfrey Chimoyo and Stephen Chinango and went to Shamva Mine in Bindura.

The group went to level 13 underground and stole gold ore.

It is alleged that when they reached level four, they were intercepted by Machingauta and his five colleagues.

Machingauta ordered the group to lie down but they refused and started throwing stones.

The accused ignited explosives and threw them in the direction of the security guards, causing a huge explosion.

It is alleged that the accused managed to run away during the confusion. The court heard that Machingauta collapsed due to gasses he inhaled.

He was assisted out of the mine after the dust settled and was taken to Shamva Hospital where he died on admission.

His post-mortem revealed that he died due to carbon monoxide emitted by the explosives.

It is alleged that on August 6 this year, Fundi connived with four accomplices and went to Wilthire Explosives at Trojan Road in Bindura.

They were armed with a pistol and knives. The group approached the security guard, Jairosi Chasakala, and posed as customers who wanted to buy explosives.

They drew the pistol and threatened to harm Chasakala before demanding keys to the magazine house.

Chasakala resisted and they stabbed him several times and forcibly took the keys.