BY BAYANDA NKATHA
Police are seeking information leading to the arrest of 12 suspects involved in a series of attacks and robberies at mine compounds in Inyathi.
According to Inspector Glory Banda, Matabeleland North police spokesperson, “Circumstances are that on 13 August around 11:30pm at Robert Block 2 Mine, complainant one was asleep with her daughter when 12 unknown men knocked at their door looking for mbanje and complainant told them she did not sell mbanje.
Five of the suspects forcibly entered the room by breaking the door using an axe and demanded cash.”
The suspects allegedly stole US$350, two cellphones, and R2 000, and attacked the victim with a machete.
“They ransacked the room and took two cellphone handsets and R2 000 before disappearing into the darkness,” Banda said.
In a separate incident at Zoo B Mine, the suspects divided themselves into two groups and launched attacks on two separate rooms.
One victim was assaulted with a machete and collapsed, while another victim was gang-raped by three of the suspects.
“The suspects took US$90 and five grams of smelted gold and also raped the wife of one of the victims,” Banda said.
The victims were taken to hospital, with one transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
“We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The suspects face charges of robbery, attempted murder, and rape. We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served,” Banda said.