10 illegal diamond panners nabbed

12 Jul, 2016 - 14:07 0 Views
10 illegal diamond panners nabbed

The ManicaPost

Tendai GukutikwaWeekender Correspondent

A TOTAL of 10 illegal diamond panners appeared in court after being found in possession of five pieces of diamonds and sacks full of diamond ore in Hotsprings last week.Vengai Muchena (39), Washington Zishiri (28), Tavedzegwa Sibanda (29), Silas Kokera (26), Oliver Fabiyawo (26), Tafara Shumba (26), Dumisani Moyo (26), Prosper Mhazi (24) and two minors were not asked to plead when they appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura.

The 10 allegedly contravened Section 3(1) of the Precious Stones Trade Act, Chapter 21:06 which criminalises the unlawful dealing in or possession of precious stones.

They also face an alternative charge of contravening Section 368 of the Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 21:06, otherwise known as prospecting for minerals without a permit or licence.

Mutare lawyer, Mr Farai Matinhure of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners represented the 10.

They were granted $30 bail each.

Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.

It is alleged that on July 9, Detective Eliot Mucharuona received information to the effect that there were some illegal diamond panners at Makaza homestead in Hotsprings.

Working on that information, detectives proceeded to Hotsprings and upon arrival at around 7pm, they set an ambush waiting for the arrival of the said illegal diamond panners from Chiadzwa diamond fields.

At around 9.30pm, the detectives saw the illegal panners carrying sacks containing diamond ore on their way to Makaza homestead.

“At around 11pm, the detectives raided the homestead and introduced themselves. They conducted a search and recovered three pieces of diamonds from a satchel. One of the miners also surrendered two more pieces of the precious stones.

“Dect Mucharuona went on to recover seven sacks of diamond ore and the 10 diamond panners who were in the house were subsequently arrested,” said Mr Karombe.

The case goes for trial on July 26.

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