The Chinese security chief at the Bunyip gold mine in Vilabosi, Matabeleland South, shot and wounded four illegal miners who entered the mine and stole two bags of gold ore.
Police confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred on April 14, 2024, when a group of 12 illegal miners stormed the mine and clashed with security personnel.
Two injured illegal miners were taken to Bulawayo United Hospitals in Bulawayo, where one of them was shot in the shoulder and required a chest drain.
A chest drain is a narrow tube that is inserted between the ribs to sit in the space between the lung and the chest wall, preventing fluid from flowing from the tube into the chest cavity.
Sources told CITE that the Chinese worker fired live ammunition at the illegal miners, accusing them of illegally prospecting for gold in the mine.
“Police found 13 rounds of live ammunition but did not arrest the miner while they were engaged in talks with the Chinese embassy,” one source claimed.
However, National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that they are still investigating the case to determine what happened, given that the Chinese man is the head of security at the mine.
“It is said that some illegal gold miners cut the fence and entered the mine through the break hole, taking some gold ore in about two bags in the process, which led to a scuffle,” Nyathi said.
“Then the security chief responded and fired some shots, but the illegal miners did not comply. The security chief then shot four of the illegal miners and injured them while the others fled.
Regarding whether the Chinese worker will be arrested, the aide said. Telecom. Nyathi stated that the mine was officially registered but the illegal armed miners committed a criminal act.
“There are two sides to this case: the criminal act committed by the miners and the shooting incident. This is a registered mine with a valid operations certificate and permits,” the national spokesman said.
assistant. Telecom. Nyathi said the 12 illegal miners were armed and returned to the mine to attack security officers.
He added: “The illegal miners returned later and attacked the security officer, and seized the gold ore. They were carrying machetes and other weapons.”
He added, “The police are conducting investigations and we will issue a detailed statement at the appropriate time.” Site
