Two Fort Rixon Illegal Miners Arrested for Attempted Murder and Theft against Mine Owner

Two illegal miners, Sibanengi Ncube (21) and Julius Maromo (40), who allegedly attacked a mine owner in Fort Rixon, have been arrested and appeared in court facing charges of attempted murder and theft.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty, Trial Continues

During their court appearance before Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga, both miners pleaded not guilty to the charges. They have been remanded in custody until April 22 for the continuation of the trial. Maromo, in his defense, denied any involvement in the assault on the miner, Listen Rusimba. He claimed that on the day in question, he had a conversation with Rusimba outside a shop after being insulted by him. Maromo alleged that Rusimba fired three shots into the air with a gun he had taken from his pocket, attracting the attention of other illegal miners. Maromo stated that he was unable to identify the assailants who carried out the brutal attack. Ncube supported Maromo’s testimony, denying any participation in the assault on Rusimba. Both defendants maintained their innocence, presenting their version of events.

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A Horrifying Ordeal Described in Court

Rusimba, the miner owner, provided a chilling account of the incident. He alleged that Ncube and Maromo, who were illegal miners and occasionally sold game meat, owed him money. When Rusimba’s son received change from a purchase, the defendants approached a shop assistant and falsely claimed that Rusimba had sent them to collect the money. They were given the funds.

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Two days later, Rusimba confronted the defendants about the money they had taken. In response, they violently dragged him to a secluded area, where they physically assaulted him, causing the loss of 19 teeth. Rusimba fired a shot into the air in an attempt to scare them off, but the attackers continued their brutal assault. They struck him on the head with a knobkerrie, leaving him with depression and a stomach tumor. In a horrifying act, they also severed his leg with a machete and set dogs on him, causing further harm.

Throughout the ordeal, Rusimba screamed for help, but neighbors, aware of the pair’s violent reputation, did not intervene. The defendants reportedly searched Rusimba and stole US$3,500, which he had intended to use for purchasing mining equipment. They later raided his home, castrating his bulls and stealing fencing materials and tires.