Controversial South African pastor, Paseka Motsoeneng made his first appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 07 August, after he forcefully took his two grandchildren from the school while wielding a machete (panga).
According to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/panga-wielding-pastor-mboro-and-co-accused-appear-in-court-but-will-spend-the-next-week-behind-bars-d668bcb9-87f7-4daa-92bf-960cbd8b8050">IOL</a>, the incident, which occurred at the Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, southeast of Johannesburg on Monday, was captured on cellphone footage and went viral on social media.
The incident led to Motsoeneng’s tent church being burnt to ashes the following day by a mob including schoolchildren and the community.
Motsoeneng, also known as Pastor Mboro, his son Vincent Revival Motsoeneng, 27, and bodyguard Clement Camillot Baloyi, 43 appeared in court but were not asked to plead.
They were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for August 16.
As reported by IOL, the three men are facing a variety of charges, including assault, handling a firearm recklessly that could endanger lives and property, rendering security services while not registered, malicious damage to property, assault and intimidation.
Motsoeneng, a self-proclaimed prophet and charismatic preacher, together with his son and bodyguard, stormed the school premises and forcibly took his two boy grandchildren.
One of the children is in Grade RR and the other is in Grade 2.
The mother of the children died in April, leading to a dispute between the paternal and maternal sides of the family over the custody of the children.
Teaching staff attempted to prevent the father of the children, that is Pastor Motsoeneng’s son, from taking them from the school.
The pastor and the other two men then stormed the school and managed to drag the children out of the school armed with a rifle and a machete.
Following the incident, angry community members and learners torched the Incredible Happenings Church premises, reducing the large white marquee to ashes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Controversial pastor in South Africa went to school with a machete to take his grandchildren but community stopped him. His church was burned. He, his son, and his bodyguard in court for many charges. Children taken are in Grade RR and Grade 2. Their mother died, so family fighting for custody. Pastor and others forced children out of school with weapons. They are now in jail until a bail hearing on August 16. Everyone is upset about what happened.

Machete-wielding South African Pastor Remanded In Custody

Six unidentified armed robbers pounced on a house in Rifle Range, Chegutu around 2 AM on Saturday, 18 November, and robbed the occupants of more than US$22 000 in cash.
Armed robberies are arguably on the rise as businesspeople keep cash in their homes as banks are considered risky due to the Government’s knee-jerk policy announcements.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that robbers, who were armed with machetes, attacked a security guard who was on duty and took his cash and cellphone before forcibly gaining entry into the house.
They then attacked two occupants before seizing US$22 380 which was in the bedroom. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Chegutu are investigating a case of robbery which occurred at a house in Rifle Range, Chegutu on 18/11/23 at around 0200 hours.
Six unidentified male suspects who were putting on balaclavas and armed with machetes attacked a security guard who was on duty, tied his hands with a rope and stole US$20 cash and a cell phone.
The suspects gained entry into the house and attacked two occupants before stealing US$22 380 cash which was in the victims’ bedroom, motor vehicle keys for a Toyota GD6, Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevrolet Trailblazer among other valuables.
</blockquote>
Police have appealed for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to report at any nearest Police Station.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Machete Gang Gets Away With US$22 000 From Chegutu Home

A woman from Gweru, Midlands Province, was allegedly raped by one of five robbers who had broken into her Ridgemont house around 1.30 AM on 07 October.
The suspects also robbed her of a vehicle, cash, clothes, and two laptops whose value is yet to be ascertained.
ZRP spokesperson in Midlands, Inspector Emanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/woman-raped-in-machete-gang-armed-robbery/">State media</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We confirm a rape and robbery case in which a Gweru woman was raped by one of five robbers who had broken into her house. The incident occurred on October 7 at around 1:30 AM in Ridgemont residential suburb in Gweru.
</blockquote>
Insp Mahoko said the suspects were armed with a machete and knives and they assaulted two occupants who were sleeping in the house in different rooms using a machete while demanding money. He added:
<blockquote>
They went on to ransack the house and stole an unknown amount of cash, various clothes, two cell phones, two laptops and the house keys.
While the robbery was in progress one of the robbers raped one of the two complainants in one of the rooms after threatening to kill her before they drove away in the complainant’s Toyota Alex motor vehicle.
</blockquote>
Insp Mahoko said Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Woman Raped In Machete Gang Robbery

Driving trucks on the dilapidated Harare-Chirundu Highway has become a nightmare for drivers as robbers pounce on slow-moving trucks even in broad daylight.
Jonas Kabasa, a 41-year-old truck driver who uses the route frequently, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013425/highway-robbers-cause-havoc">NewsDay</a> that the highway is now regarded as a death trap for local and regional travellers.
Kabasa, who was born and raised in Chinhoyi, drives trucks from South Africa to Zambia, Malawi or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He said:
<blockquote>
Of late, many travellers have been forced to sleep over along the highway, especially when travelling during the night after hitting deep gullies and potholes that are now permanent features along the way.
The road is no longer easy to travel on due to potholes.
Of late, some cars have been left on the roadside due to tyre punctures, malfunctioning engines affected by water from big potholes along the highway, especially during the rainy season.
</blockquote>
Machete-wielding highway robbers popularly known as “Makaramata”, derived from how they get on top of a moving vehicle with ease because of the slow speeds, have also become a menace. Said Kabasa:
<blockquote>
The Harare-Chirundu Highway is now a double tragedy for night drivers as we battle to navigate the potholed road from Chinhoyi to Chirundu which is now a death trap.
The worst is that we have to endure highway attacks by robbers, especially from Mapinga, Chikuti and Kasimure areas.
</blockquote>
Tapera Rukambwa, a resident at Mapinga business centre said a masked robber has attacking people during the day when they stop to relieve themselves while enjoying the Mapinga scenery of the Great Dyke.
Speaking to NewsDay, a member of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Bindura said they had to open fire to apprehend a robber a few years ago. Said the detective:
<blockquote>
A Bindura gold dealer lost some cash after he was raided at Mapinga lay-by by the suspect.
He provided us with transport as we investigated the matter.
We ambushed the robber around the area and spotted him in the bush, but he outran us all while ignoring warning shots.
He was finally shot in the leg. He led us to the place where he keeps his loot.
He had several thousands of US dollars in stolen money.
</blockquote>
In April, a truck bound for Zambia was robbed at Chikuti about 180km from Harare.
Two suspects, armed with machetes and knobkerries, forced the driver to stop and confronted him and three other passengers demanding money.
The truck driver was robbed of US$1 500 while we surrendered at least US$500.
In January this year, P<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/01/12/robbers-targetting-haulage-trucks-along-harare-chirundu-highway-police/">olice warned haulage truck drivers to avoid travelling at night on the Harare-Chirundu highway</a> saying there were dangerous criminals on the prowl targeting trucks between 7 PM and 5 AM
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Machete-wielding Robbers Target Motorists

A 38-year-old man from Sojini, Mbembesi was shot in the left shoulder by a police officer last week.
The shooting incident reportedly occurred at the Mbembesi Police Station’s canteen after a fight erupted among revellers who were regular patrons.
The victim, Raymond Mkhomaza, is currently admitted at United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) where he is receiving treatment.
Speaking to CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/man-shot-by-cop-at-mbembesi-police-station-canteen/">Senzeni Ncube</a> on Friday, Mkhomaza said the bullet was still lodged inside his body. He said:
<blockquote>
The incident occurred on Sunday around 5 am. We were drinking at the police canteen, we usually drink there as villagers and commotion erupted and we started fighting as patrons.
The police on duty came carrying a gun and headed straight to me as I was also fighting and in that commotion he pushed me, making me turn and he shot me.
I went to the charge office to report that I have been shot. I have spent six days here and the bullet is still inside.
I still have to go for an X-ray as the doctor said the bullet missed my heart, and I have a lot of air inside.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident to CITE but said the victim was part of a group that was deemed a threat as they were armed with “offensive weapons”. Said Banda:
<blockquote>
It happened in Mbembesi of course, I know the story. It’s been a while since it happened, it is not a new thing.
What happened was that these guys were found in the early morning hours at Mbembesi police canteen, they were holding some knobkerries and other offensive weapons.
Whatever they were carrying suggested that they were up to some evil because there is a history of theft at the canteen.
When they were asked what they were doing, they said “we are not afraid of your gun” and started advancing towards the policeman.
</blockquote>
Banda said the policeman fired two warning shots but the men continued advancing towards him. He said:
<blockquote>
The policeman had no option, then the other man was shot in the shoulder.
The next morning, the man who was shot in the shoulder showed up at the police station, saying he sustained an injury and was arrested.
</blockquote>
Insp. Banda denied claims that Mkhomaza was drinking with other patrons when he was shot. He said:
<blockquote>
That was not the time to drink and drinking has nothing to do with carrying knobkerries. You don’t need a knobkerrie to drink, you only need your money.
You don’t need weapons if you are about to drink, and if you are drinking it doesn’t mean you advance towards the policeman and try to attack him.
That incident has nothing to do with drinking.
</blockquote>
Police have in the past banned the carrying of dangerous weapons that include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, or daggers in order to curb violent crime.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Shot By A Police Officer At Mbembesi Police Station Canteen

Two illegal gold miners, infamously called Mashurugwi, reportedly fought using dangerous weapons until they killed each other in Zvishavane last week on Monday.
Reports indicate that the fight between Tapfumaneyi Muza (28) of Hwinya Village, Chief Nhema and Gilbert Dendere (29) was so fierce that onlookers at Dombwe Business Centre fled into the bushes to hide.
The onlookers only returned to the scene after the noise died down and were shocked to see the two protagonists lying on the ground side by side, dead.
Muza had been released from prison on bail for attempted murder three days before the fatal fight.
He was represented in his bail application by Abitar Mugari of Pamacheche, Gundu and Dube Legal Practitioners.
According to a police memo seen by The Mirror, on 28 November 2022, at 9 PM at Dombwe Business Centre, Dendere who had a grudge against Muza approached the latter and they started fighting.
Muza allegedly stabbed Dendere with a Columbia knife several times in the chest and in retaliation, Dendere stabbed Muza in the neck and struck him with an axe on the left ear resulting in the deaths of the two.
Police were called to the scene and they collected the bodies.
Muza was previously arrested for stoning a police officer on duty at Dombwe and stabbing him with a knife three times.
Muza then took the cop’s gun which he surrendered to the nearest headman. | <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/2-mashurugwi-fight-each-until-they-both-drop-dead/">The Mirror</a>

Two "Mashurugwi" Fight Each Other Until They Both Drop Dead

A man from Bulawayo is on the run after he allegedly assaulted his wife with a machete following a misunderstanding over a phone call during the wee hours of the morning.
Police in Bulawayo have confirmed the incident but did not give the names of the suspect and his victim.
ZRP spokesperson in Bulawayo Province said the complainant, who is 25 years old, received a phone call from her younger sister from Esigodini at around 1 AM on Monday.
The husband suspected that the call was from another man and started accusing his wife of infidelity and an altercation arose.
The man allegedly took his wife’s phone and smashed it on the wall, then went outside and came back holding a machete.
He used the weapon to strike the complainant several times resulting in her sustaining several cuts on different parts of her body.
The wife managed to flee and sought refuge at a neighbour’s house who then phoned the police and made a report.
The wife was taken to the hospital for treatment. Asst Insp Msebele said:
<blockquote>
As police, we warn members of the public to desist from violence and always find the befitting way of solving their differences.
We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused person.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/man-attacks-wife-with-machete-over-a-phone-call/">The Sunday News</a>

Man Attacks Wife With Machete Over A phone Call

A CCC activist in Mashonaland West Province was on Friday attacked with a machete and seriously injured by a ZANU PF ward councillor for demanding free Presidential farming inputs.
The victim, Wonder Matashu (35) of Kapfunde, Magunje constituency, was injured on his head and left palm following an attack by Ward 12 Councillor Chris Mudengezerwa.
Matashu told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-councillor-bludgeons-ccc-activist-for-demanding-presidential-farming-inputs-victim-injured-in-barbaric-machete-attack/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that he was attacked by Mudengezerwa after he asked why his name was deleted from the list of people who should receive seed and fertilizer set for distribution in the area.
He alleged that his name was deleted from a list of beneficiaries on grounds that he was an opposition CCC member at Mudengezerwa’s behest. Said Matashu:
<blockquote>
This is the height of political intolerance. I have been a marked man for victimisation in my role as CCC Magunje constituency coordinator.
On the fateful day, Friday, November 4, at Kapfunde growth point, l approached the councillor over the removal of my name on the list of Pfumvudza farming inputs beneficiaries.
I found him sitting in his car and asked reasons why my name had been struck off the list.
The councillor told me l would not get the inputs because l was a CCC activist who couldn’t benefit from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s generosity.
Mudengezerwa is alleged to have also threatened to block Matashu from getting employment at the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO), where he is regularly engaged as a seasonal contractor.
</blockquote>
The verbal exchange between the two men degenerated into a war of words, and Mudengezerwa jumped out of his car and started manhandling Matashu. Added Matashu:
<blockquote>
Mudengezerwa started pushing and shoving me before slapping me in the face. In self-defence, l fought back and as it seemed obvious l was overpowering the councillor, his brother intervened and tightly grabbed me, but some sympathisers came to my rescue and l was freed.
I walked away from the scene, but as l did that, the councillor went to his vehicle and took a machete and charged towards me. Onlookers shouted to alert me of the imminent danger.
I tried to flee but it was already too late as Mudengezerwa closed in and took aim at my neck in order to kill me.
I blocked the machete which ripped open my palm as well as gashed my forehead. It was blood all over.
</blockquote>
Matashu was rushed to Kapfunde Clinic, where he was treated for wounds, before making a report at the local police station.
Mudengezerwa was yet to be arrested but is likely to face attempted murder charges.

ZANU PF Councillor Attacks CCC Activist With A Machete

Police in Gweru have banned the carrying of weapons such as machetes, knives and catapults until year-end in a move meant to curb crime which is now rampant within and around the district.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, 20 September, Officer Commanding Gweru District, Superintendent Tambudzai Gumpo, said the ban is with effect from October 1 until December 31. she said:
<blockquote>
The following weapons or items capable of use as weapons namely, catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers will now be banned for a period of three months that is from 01 October to 31 December 2022.
</blockquote>
Last year,<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/14/police-in-gweru-gokwe-ban-dangerous-weapons-in-public/"> police in Gweru and Gokwe banned the carrying of dangerous weapons in public for three months</a> to contain violent crime in the two districts.
The weapons that were banned included machetes, axes, knobkerries, knives, daggers, catapults, spears, and swords.
The prohibition ran from June 14 through September 14 for Gokwe while for Gweru ran from June 22 until September 22.
Police sternly warned that those found on the wrong side of the law would face up to six months in jail.

Police In Gweru Ban Carrying Of Weapons Until Year-end

Four unknown assailants armed with machetes and a gun reportedly stormed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) vice president Tendai Biti’s home in Harare around midnight on Wednesday and attacked one of his security aides and left without taking anything.
In a tweet, the Citizens Coalition for Change said the men seriously injured the security guard who had to receive urgent medical attention. <a href="https://twitter.com/CCCZimbabwe/status/1499222698051919879">It said:</a>
<blockquote>
In the very early hours of this morning, @BitiTendai’s home was attacked by 4 men with machetes/axes and a gun. His guard was attacked &amp; suffered bad injuries to his head &amp; had to receive urgent medical attention. The men did not take anything.
</blockquote>
Journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’no also tweeted about the incident. <a href="https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1499206743510949889">He wrote:</a>
<blockquote>
The security guard who was viciously attacked &amp; left for dead, and the mother of @CCCZimbabwe VP @BitiTendai explain what happened when their home was attacked by 4 men with axes/machetes &amp; a gun at 12 midnight. @CCCZimbabwe supporters have been subjected to violence with 1 dead.
</blockquote>
Watch the security guard and Tendai Biti’s mother narrate what happened in the video below:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-227582-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tendai-Bitis-security-aide-attacked.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tendai-Bitis-security-aide-attacked.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tendai-Bitis-security-aide-attacked.mp4</a></video></div>
Citizens Coalition for Change secretary-general Chalton Hwende warned ZANU PF leaders against playing “a very dangerous game.” Hwende <a href="https://twitter.com/hwendec/status/1499234320661336067">posted</a> on Twitter:
<blockquote>
Hon @BitiTendai ‘s homestead was attacked last night his security aide was seriously injured. ZanuPF leaders are playing a very dangerous game, you don’t call for an election and start killing and maiming your opponents. The violence must stop!!
</blockquote>
On Sunday, a CCC supporter, Mbonisi Ncube, was murdered in a spear attack by suspected ZANU PF activists during a rally at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre in Kwekwe.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Armed Men Raid Biti's Home, Security Aide Seriously Injured

Four Tsholotsho men have been arrested for assaulting an elderly villager using a machete and rock boulders following a misunderstanding.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident saying the incident happened on the 21st of December. Said the police: 
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms the arrest of Mfowethu Sibanda (24), Bongani Mlingo (28), Buzani Sithole (18) and Thabane Dlodlo (19) in connection with a case of murder which occurred on 21 December 2021 at Simanje line, Tsholotsho.
The victim, Job Maphosa (66) struck Tafadzwa Kasirobi (23) with a machete on the head accusing him of being disrespectful. This did not go well with the suspects, who are Tafadzwa Kasirobi’s friends and they mobilised themselves to revenge the assault.
</blockquote>
The quartet fatally struck Maphosa with a machete and stones all over the body.
Murder incidents are on the rise in Matebeleland North province, with a week hardly going by without recording a killing, particularly at beer drinking spots. 
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/4-arrested-for-killing-elderly-villager-66-with-machete-stones/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Machete-wielding Quartet Assaults Elderly Man To Death

The European Union’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkonen, has exhorted the Government to urgently deal with marauding machete gangs (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MaShurugwi">Mashurugwi</a>) especially in the Midlands province where village communities are living in fear.
Olkonen was speaking to NewZimbabwe.com after a tour of projects in Kwekwe, Gokwe, and Kadoma districts funded by the Western countries bloc. He said:
<blockquote>
We toured Kwekwe and Gokwe and had an engagement with civil society and non-governmental organisations.
The main issue which stuck out during those interactions was the issue of violence, particularly machete violence in the mining pits.
There is a need for the government to swiftly address the issue of violence in the artisanal mining sector.
We had a discussion on the social consequences of unregulated mining activities.
We gained an explanation that many young people are being engaged in artisanal mining in an uncontrolled manner.
</blockquote>
The EU undertaking various incoming generating projects in the country for the vulnerable members of communities at an estimated cost of US$50 million.
The EU is running the inclusive poultry value chain (IPVC) project in Kwekwe which Olkonen said, “is set to improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries and improve nutritional habits.”
The Mbizo fruit and vegetable market in Kwekwe has 1 568 chickens where project beneficiaries sell their birds and eggs from.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/eu-calls-on-govt-to-act-on-violent-machete-gangs/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

EU Urges Zim Govt To Address "Mashurugwi" Menace

A Rusape-based police officer appeared in court on an attempted murder charge after he attacked a man with a machete inside a police station.
Constable Greenmore Rwambiwa (35) of ZRP Rusape Central attacked Tafadzwa Dzemunye with a machete at the Nyazura Police Station’s charge office in a bid to stop him from filing an assault complaint against him.
Rwambiwa appeared before Rusape magistrate, Rufaro Mangwiro last Wednesday. He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until 19 May.
The State led by Orripah Sagandira said as Dzemunye was inside the charge office filing assault charges against Rwambiwa, the latter attacked Dzemunye some more. Said Sagandira:
<blockquote>On May 1 while at Mega Market Complex in Nyazura, Rwambiwa followed the complainant who was on his way home and slapped him once on the face, blaming him for filing a case against a Constable Makumbo.
Dzemunye proceeded to Nyazura Police Station to file an assault report against Rwambiwa.
While the complainant was reporting the case, Rwambiwa arrived armed with a scissors carjack and a machete.
Rwambiwa charged at Dzemunye and hit him once on the right hand with the scissors carjack.</blockquote>
It is alleged that Rwambiwa also hit Dzemunye’s face four times with the flat side of a machete.
He then used the weapon’s sharp edges to strike the complainant thrice. Rwambiwa was represented by Leonard Chigadza of Chigadza and Associates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/machete-wielding-cop-storms-charge-office/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

Machete Wielding Cop Storms Charge Office In Nyazura

A Mberengwa man was recently jailed for 10 years after he chopped off his lover’s ring finger with a machete to ensure that she will not wear any other suitor’s ring.
The victim, Linnet Chihora, 25, had told her lover Promise Moyo, 27, that she was ending their courtship when she was attacked on her finger and palm.
Moyo allegedly attempted to chop off the palm of Chihora hand as well. He appeared before Regional Magistrate Phathekile Msipa facing a murder charge.
Moyo will, however, serve an effective seven years after three years of the sentence were conditionally suspended.
Prosecuting, Talent Tadenyika said the incident occurred on 10 February 2020 after Moyo, Chihora and a neighbour Sibusisiwe Nyoni went to see the village head to discuss issues concerning the strained relationship.
Apparently, the village head was not able to reconcile two because on their from his residence around midnight, Moyo attacked Chihora with a machete.
Nyoni managed to stop Moyo from further assaulting Chihora and took her to the hospital.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2020/11/19/man-chops-off-lovers-ring-finger-so-she-will-not-wed-another-man/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive</a></h4>

'Jealous' Man Jailed 10 Years For Chopping Off Girlfriend's Ring Finger

Four robbers, Zondai Urayayi, Theophelous Gapara, Godfrey Dzingirai and Darlington Mutsigo have been remanded in custody over malicious damage to property, theft and assault.
It is alleged that on 3 January this year, the accused and their accomplices who are still at large who were armed with machetes and axes, attacked security guards as Redwing Mine in Penhalonga in an attempt to gain entry.
The State further alleged that the security guards fled leaving the gang destroying the guardroom before stealing mining equipment including a shovel, pick and rope.
It is also reported that the security team later fired warning shots to disperse the gang and the quartet was arrested later after police investigations.
Mutare magistrate, Tendai Mahwe this Monday remanded the quartet in custody to Wednesday for the continuation of trial.
Machete-wielding gangs have recently become a national plague as they terrorised miners and members of the public, particularly in gold mining towns.
Impunity which the gangs enjoyed prompted some to argue that the gangs were protected by political elites in the country.
The police however recently launched a blitz in a bid to contain the gangs which were slowly getting out of hand. Since the launch of the operation ‘Chikorokoza Ngachipere/ Ukukorokoza Akuphele’, a large number of suspected members of machete gangs has been arrested.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/machete-wielding-gang-attacks-mine/">ZBC News</a>

Machetes And Axe-Wielding Robbers Behind Bars After Attempting Forced Entry Into A Mine.

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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="368" id="video-147611-1" preload="metadata" width="368"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Mushurugwi.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Mushurugwi.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Mushurugwi.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Machete Gang Member Interrogated After Police Shootout

<blockquote>The MDC condemns the sensational claims by Justice Wadyajena in which he tries to link the menace of Mashurugwi to our Secretary-General Hon Chalton Hwende.
Wadyajena’s alarmist claims border on insanity.
They are but a desperate attempt to deflate pressure on senior politicians in Zanu PF who are the creators and kingpins of the vigilante groups.
It is a public secret that the machete-wielding Al Shabaab and Mashurugwi vigilante groups are fronted right from the securocratic corridors of power.
They were founded solely to defend the elastic extractive interests of the highest offices in the country. To maintain, hold, instil fear and elude all the tax obligations of proper mining in the country.
To then link such to the MDC or its senior officers is not only far-fetched but defies logic. It is an attempt to mud-sling where it won’t stick.
The fact of the matter is that Mashurugwi are an indictment on Mnangagwa and his team. Their lack of respect for human life and their inability to administer the rule of law and the killings are a clear sign of a total breakdown of the rule of law and disregard of Constitutional order.
More fundamentally, it is a reflection of economic decay, poverty and unemployment now pervasive in the country.
This combination brings unpalatable suffering to the nation which ultimately pushes especially young people to extremist means of survival. Instead of blaming the MDC, Zanu PF must accept the blame, take full responsibility of lives lost and confront their front-men who now own the gangs.
Beyond this, there must be serious reform in the mining sector including the promulgation of a new Mining and Minerals Act which, among other things, must address the following.
1. That obtaining of mining claims be done in a professional and transparent manner
2. Redefinition of mining licences and mineral purchasing, marketing, holding licences
3. That there be a cap on the exportation of minerals in their raw form and that there must be deliberate beneficiation to create more decent jobs.
4. That a significant chunk of resources generated in mining be retained to develop and benefit local mining communities.
5. That the Revenue Authority be allowed to station officers at any stage of mining they require to stem revenue bleeding.
Beyond mining reforms, there must be strengthenihttps://www.pindula.co.zw/Caps_United_Football_Clubng of law enforcement, culprits must be arrested and prosecuted.
The police service in its work must be guided by the National Constitution particularly the conduct provided in section 208 of the Constitution.
They must do their work without let or hindrance.
MDC Communications</blockquote>

Zanu PF In Desperate Bid To Link MDC To MaShurugwi Menace {Full Text}

Suspected members of marauding machete gangs have been arrested in Mt Darwin.
Mining Zimbabwe has published pictures of men in handcuffs who are suspected to be part of a gang of “<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MaShurugwi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MaShurugwi”</a>, the general name for violent illegal gold panners who have been accused of acts of terrorism across the country.
Below are the pictures:
<img decoding="async" src="https://miningzimbabwe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG-20191231-WA0007-scaled.jpg"/><img decoding="async" src="https://miningzimbabwe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG-20191231-WA0006-scaled.jpg"/><img decoding="async" src="https://miningzimbabwe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG-20191231-WA0009-scaled.jpg"/><img decoding="async" src="https://miningzimbabwe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG-20191231-WA0005-scaled.jpg"/>
<h3>More: <a href="https://miningzimbabwe.com/breaking-machete-gang-arrested-in-mt-darwin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mining Zimbabwe</a></h3>

PICTURES: Machete Gang Arrested In Mt Darwin - Report

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a> said the government will soon enact legislation empowering police officers to shoot to kill persons found in possession of machetes.
Ziyambi made the remarks while addressing the Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial inter-district conference in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chinhoyi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chinhoyi</a>. He said:
<blockquote>We are going to ban mabhemba in mining areas. We instructed police to shoot to kill those to be found with a machete, those arrested for possession of the weapon will not be granted bail.</blockquote>
The remarks come as hundreds of people have been killed across the country by machete-wielding gangs are active in gold-mining areas.
The gangsters referred to as <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MaShurugwi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MaShurugwi</a>, attack not only artisanal miners but ordinary people going about their chores, robbing them of their possessions and sometimes leaving them for dead.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbc.co.zw/justice-minister-ziyambi-warns-machete-wielding-informal-miners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

Police To Be Authorised To Shoot 'MaShurugwi' On Sight

A machete-wielding Shurugwi man on Friday last week struck and killed a female vendor, while the attack left two other people seriously hurt.
Acting Midlands police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident. She said:
<blockquote>Judith Ruzive died upon admission (at Gweru Provincial Hospital). Partson Bhenga and Chido Makanda are in serious condition.
Investigations are in progress with the suspect still at large. We urge people to respect the sanctity of life.</blockquote>
Ruzive was selling her wares outside Mzansi nightclub around 2 am when she was struck and killed by the suspect, Benjamin Chipatapata (26).
Chipapapata was angered by an unrelated incident which prompted him to fetch the machete which he used to attack people randomly.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/03/shurugwi-woman-hacked-to-death/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsday</a>

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