Police officers in Inyati, Matabeleland North, fatally shot a Machete-wielding gold panner (MaShurugwi) and injured 5 others in the same incident Newsday reports.
The violent MaShurugwi, armed with axes and machetes, reportedly charged at the officers who were forced to shot them in defence as they were deployed to stop illegal mining activities at Acuutes Farm.
The incident was confirmed in a memo seen by the publication that read in part:
At around 4pm, the illegal miners, who were armed with machetes and axes, started charging towards the armed police officers. Constable Mandindo, who was armed with an FN riffle, fired six warning shots in the air after seeing that the mob was advancing at them.
The warning shots could not deter the mob as it continued to charge towards the police officers and eventually Mandindo shot Mabhena once on the left shoulder. He was armed with an axe and a knobkerrie and he died on the spot.
MaShurugwi on 30 December attacked and killed Constable Wonder Hokoyo who was trying to help Good Hope Workers in Battlefields.
More: Newsday