Kwekwe Mine Owner, Security Guards Arrested for Murder Over 2.8g Gold

Kwekwe - Police have arrested a mine owner and two security guards in connection with the fatal assault of a 46-year-old employee accused of stealing 2.8 grams of processed gold.

The deceased, identified as Lennon Obert Manguza of Msasa, Kwekwe, was reportedly beaten with switches at Bully 25 Mine on March 7. He was an employee at the mining site.

Police have taken into custody the mine owner, 35-year-old Austin Maisva, along with two security guards, Obedience Maponga (28) and Emmanuel Kazika (23).

The incident began at approximately 6:00 p.m. when security personnel noticed the gold was missing and identified Manguza as the primary suspect.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the suspects allegedly took the law into their own hands after apprehending the victim.

"They allegedly apprehended him and took him to the security office where the three suspects allegedly took turns to assault him all over the body using switches," Inspector Mahoko said.

Following the interrogation and assault, the suspects reportedly moved Manguza to his cabin on the mine premises.

His body was discovered hours later at approximately 11:00 p.m. by a colleague, who subsequently alerted the Zimbabwe Republic Police Kwekwe Rural station.

Police officials have condemned the use of "instant justice" and reminded the public that all criminal suspects must be processed through the formal legal system.

"The law requires that all arrested suspects must be handed over to the police for their cases to be dealt with in terms of the law," Inspector Mahoko said.

The three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Police said physical assault is not a permissible method for resolving theft allegations.

"We urge members of the public not to assault or apply instant justice to arrested suspects," Inspector Mahoko said.