Mine Worker Bites And Disarms Robber In Botched Gold Deal
Four men have been jailed for an effective 10 years each after a bogus gold deal at a Gwanda mine compound ended in gunfire and a violent struggle last month.
The Gwanda Magistrates’ Court convicted Fonet Maranganya, 27, Malvin Maranganya, 19, Prince Sibanda, 22, and Tatenda Ndlovu, 23, of robbery. The quartet lured mine worker Learnmore Magodhi, 39, with the promise of selling gold at Ben Shire Mine, Bar 20, on 1 April 2026.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred at around 7 pm. As Magodhi counted cash to close the deal, one of the accused grabbed it, sparking a confrontation.
During the scuffle, one of the men drew a pistol and fired two shots at the complainant. Magodhi fought back, managing to disarm the attacker and bite his hand, forcing the group to flee.
The robbers escaped with ZAR 15,000 in cash, which has not been recovered. But they left behind key evidence – a Samsung cellphone, a blank pistol, items of clothing and sandals – that helped detectives track them down. Police later arrested all four after one of the accused led them to his accomplices.
The magistrate sentenced each man to 12 years in prison, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. They will each serve an effective 10 years.
