MAZOWE– A violent confrontation between rival groups of illegal miners at Nduku Business Centre has resulted in the death of one man, underscoring growing concerns over lawlessness and recurring violence linked to illegal mining activities in Mashonaland Central.
The fatal incident, which occurred following a dispute reportedly involving a sex worker, has once again highlighted the volatile environment that often surrounds informal mining settlements. Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the murder and said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the clash.
According to preliminary police accounts, tensions flared after a disagreement between two men, identified as Gift Machingaife and Terrence Langton. The disagreement allegedly arose over a sex worker operating in the area, a situation that quickly escalated beyond a verbal confrontation. During the initial altercation, Langton is said to have stabbed Machingaife in the shoulder. Machingaife survived the attack and later sought assistance.
Rather than reporting the matter immediately, Machingaife allegedly mobilised a group of fellow illegal miners to retaliate. The group was reportedly led by Sam Kasinakuse, and they later confronted Langton and his associates at Nduku Business Centre. What followed was a violent clash between the two rival groups, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene as the men attacked each other using knives and wooden objects.
During the confrontation, John Banda, who was part of one of the groups, sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a tragic escalation of a dispute that began as a personal disagreement. Banda’s body was later transported to Concession Hospital, where it is being kept as investigations continue.
Inspector Mundembe said police are treating the matter as a murder case and are actively pursuing leads. “We can confirm that a man lost his life following a violent clash at Nduku Business Centre. Investigations are in progress, and we are appealing to anyone with information to assist the police,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Mazowe area, with residents expressing alarm at the increasing frequency of violent disputes linked to illegal mining operations. Nduku Business Centre, like many areas near informal mining sites, has become a hotspot for conflict, often fuelled by competition over resources, personal disputes, and the absence of effective regulation.
Illegal Miners Clash Over Sex Worker, Leaving One Dead
Community members say such violence has become disturbingly common. “These fights happen often, but this time someone died,” said one resident who requested anonymity. “People are afraid, especially when groups gather at night. We need stronger action to stop this.”
Illegal mining has long been associated with crime and instability in parts of Mashonaland Central, including Mazowe. Disputes among miners frequently turn violent, with knives and other crude weapons often involved. Police have repeatedly warned that such activities not only endanger those directly involved but also place surrounding communities at risk.
Authorities have once again urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report disputes before they escalate into violence. Inspector Mundembe stressed that retaliation only worsens situations and leads to unnecessary loss of life. “We encourage people to resolve conflicts peacefully and to seek help from law enforcement instead of resorting to violence,” he said.
Police are also appealing to witnesses who may have seen the clash or have information about those involved to come forward. They have assured the public that information will be treated confidentially and could be crucial in ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
As investigations continue, the incident has reignited calls for more decisive measures to address illegal mining and related criminal activities in the province. Some community leaders are urging authorities to strengthen patrols around known hotspots and to work closely with local stakeholders to prevent further bloodshed.
For now, the death of John Banda stands as a stark reminder of how quickly disputes can spiral out of control in environments marked by lawlessness and tension. As police work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal clash, residents in Mazowe are left grappling with fear and uncertainty, hoping that justice will be served and that meaningful steps will be taken to restore peace and safety in the area.
Source- Byo24
