STAFF WRITER
VIOLENT machete-wielding clashes between rival gangs at a Kadoma gold claim have left several gold panners battling for their lives.
Insiders say temperatures have been soaring at Plot 5 Lornkope Farm, Kadoma between Zanu PF youths syndicates over the ownership of the mine.
The dispute spilled into violence last week in a melee in which it is reported that some of the miners had their ears cut off while some sustained deep cuts during the battle.
Authorities have ordered mining activities at the village 5 Lornkope farm, Kadoma to stop as investigations get underway while police have so far arrested Adrian Zvivada (20), Last Mahlatini (29) and Farai Hakamela (26) who are now assisting police with investigations.
In a statement on Monday, Police said “arrests will be effected irrespective of one’s status or political inclination” further noting that ““five complainants were injured in the machete, axis, knives and catapults violence.”
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi earlier told the State media that following the clashes the gangs decided not to make a police report but to seek treatment at Kadoma hospital.
It is alleged that while at the hospital another confrontation erupted resulting in officials making a police report.
Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa, had earlier taken to twitter accusing Zanu-PF Mashonaland West youth league chairman Vengai Musengi and other top Zanu PF officials of fueling the gold-wars in the area.
Mliswa further alleged that police have not moved to arrest them because they are being shielded by State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube.
“They are protected by Mudha who controls the police and stops any investigations. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vengi alleges that proceeds from this goes to you. It’s an abuse of your name which should be stopped,” Mliswa wrote on his twitter account.
“That’s why I say I can’t join Zanu PF because it’s prone to such inhumane acts. As a politician in Hurungwe I experienced this kind of violence and had a maid abducted and beaten.”
However, Musengi told the Zim Morning Post that Mliswa’s allegations were baseless and without any evidence but aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of Zanu PF internal elections.
“I’m not the owner of that mine, handisati ndakambokusvika politics dza Themba dzekuzora vanhu madhaka towards election because I’m contesting against (his sister) Mary Mliswa,” Musengi said.
