Violence Erupts at Element Minerals Mine, 46 Injured

BY STAFF REPORTER

46 people were left injured after gunshots were fired at Element Minerals mine in Shamva following violent clashes of an alleged illegal mine takeover led by a Zanu PF Mashonaland Central youth leader Josphat Zvomuya on Thursday.

The injured victims have been admitted in Harare and Shamva hospital.

Police boss in Mashonaland Central Commissioner Charles Musavengana yesterday confirmed the clashes at the mine which was led by Zvomuya , councillor Ernest Manyara and a District Coordination Committee member Tongai Mazwienezara.

“It is very true there was violence at a mine in Shamva,” he said

Mashonaland Central province police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe yesterday they have made no arrests.

He said they are aware of the gunshots which were fired at the mine before pleading to the public to come up with more information.

‘’We are aware of the violence which occurred at Element Minerals Mine and no arrests have been made. We are aware that some people are admitted in Harare while others in Shamva, we have detectives on the ground if there is anyone with information should come with it,” he said.

“We are told there were some gunshots at the mine, we are urging people to solve their disputes amicably but anyone who is found on the wrong side of the law is going to be arrested,” he added.

Zvomuya is being accused of name dropping the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa

“This is sad what is happening in Shamva and yet the perpetrators are running free , being led by councillor Ernest Manyara and Shamva district coordination committee member member Tongai Mazwienezara

“Zvomuya and his team are abusing the name of the party and President Emmerson Mnangagwa and are defying Ministry of Mines directives not to rob mines.

A source that was at the mine said it was like a war situation on Thursday.

“Workers at the mine were shocked to see some Zanu PF youths storming at the mine before starting beating people and this is when security at the mine started firing shots which saw two people being shot,” said the source.

“Zvomuya and his team are the ones who have been mobilising the youths and President Emmerson Mnangagwa does not like that,” he added.

Zvomuya reportedly has a Prohibition order he is defying not to interfere with mining operations in the province.