THE mastermind of a botched gold deal that ended tragically earlier this month when two gold panners were crushed to death by their gateway truck at a mine in West Nicholson allegedly bribed a cop who gave them the green light to proceed and steal gold ore.
ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Witness Moyo (26) of Mathabisa village and Melusi Nkala (18) of Vokola in Insiza district, died on the spot when they were run over by the truck as they fled from the scene after police found them loading stolen gold ore and fired shots into the air.
Their accomplices Vusumuzi Moyo and Bien Mlilo are currently serving a six-month jail term after pleading guilty to the theft of gold ore.
The bribery allegation came to light when a cop, Lawson Mubaiwa (24), residing at Fairbridge Support Unit appeared before Gwanda magistrate Sheila Nazombe facing corruption charges.
Mubaiwa pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to today for continuation of trial.
The court heard that sometime in February this year, Vusumuzi met Mubaiwa at a local bar and he introduced himself as a police officer guarding the mine.
On March 8, Vusumuzi allegedly called Mubaiwa asking if they could go to the mine and steal some gold ore.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mubaiwa allegedly demanded $600 upfront and pretended to be among the police officers guarding the mine, when he was not.
Vusumuzi transferred $400 to Mubaiwa via mobile money transfer platform EcoCash, but the cop demanded the full amount.
This prompting Vusumuzi to transfer a further $60.
Vusumuzi told the court that Mubaiwa advised them to return the next day when it would be “safe”.
He allegedly called Mubaiwa again the following day in the evening and alerted him that they were heading to the shaft and he again told them that the coast was clear. He allegedly called Mubaiwa at midnight informing him that a truck was on its way to load the ore.
The cop again told them they were safe advising that they hurry up.
Vusumuzi and his accomplices were, however, ambushed by police guarding the shaft while they were busy loading the gold ore.
The cops fired shots into the air sending about 30 panners scurrying for cover.
Witness Moyo and Nkala died on the spot when they were run over by the truck after the driver drove off with lights off to avoid detection.
It was only after Vusumuzi and Mlilo were arrested that they discovered Mubaiwa’s tour of duty at the mine had long ended.
Mubaiwa denied the charges saying Moyo owed him $600 which he had paid for a wardrobe and laptop that he never delivered in 2013.
