The discovery of a woman’s body at Gaika Mine in Kwekwe has cast a grim spotlight on the escalating violence plaguing Zimbabwe’s mining areas. The body, found on October 1st at approximately 8am, presented disturbing features, including bruises and the absence of the upper lip, leading police to suspect foul play.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the grim finding.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the discovery of a body of an unknown woman at Gaika Mine in Kwekwe on October 1 at around 8am,” Inspector Mahoko stated.
He detailed the circumstances of the discovery, explaining that a security guard, Chrispen Muzembi (58), stumbled upon the body during routine perimeter checks.
“This happened when he was carrying out perimeter checks around the mine and he found the body facing upwards along a fireguard surrounding the mine,” Inspector Mahoko said.
The police noted injuries on the deceased’s left hand and inner thigh, along with the deeply unsettling absence of her upper lip. Inspector Mahoko appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation.
This unsettling discovery comes amidst a wider concern regarding violence at mining sites across the Midlands Province. The recent sentencing of a mine security guard for murder and attempted murder further underscores the gravity of the situation.
High Court Judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze, expressed deep alarm at the frequency of violent incidents at these locations, highlighting the urgent need for respect for human life.
Justice Mawadze delivered a 30-year jail sentence to Avoid Siajena, a security guard at Mambo Mines in Silobela, for the shooting of three colleagues. The incident stemmed from a dispute over the preparation of a meal.
“It is important for people to know the value of life but some of you seem to lose your mind when you go underground. I wonder what happens to you people when you get into mining,” Justice Mawadze remarked during the sentencing.
He detailed the events leading to the shooting, stating that Siajena had ordered the deceased, Lovemore Nyoni, to prepare vegetables instead of meat as a relish. Nyoni’s refusal led to Siajena firing his weapon, resulting in Nyoni’s death, Willard Chikofa losing his eyesight, and Shepherd Moyo sustaining injuries.
Siajena faced three counts (murder and two counts of attempted murder). He received a 20-year sentence for murder and an additional 10 and 8 years for the attempted murders, with the latter two sentences running concurrently, resulting in a total effective sentence of 30 years. The State was represented by Sharon Fero.
The judge’s comments highlighted the seeming disregard for human life within the context of mining activities. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the mining sector.
The Gaika Mine incident, coupled with the recent sentencing in Gokwe, paints a disturbing picture of the security challenges at Zimbabwean mining sites. The brutality of the crimes and the apparent lack of respect for human life are deeply concerning. The police appeal for information underscores the need for community involvement in addressing this escalating problem.
The absence of the victim’s upper lip suggests a particularly vicious attack, raising further questions about the motive and the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify the victim and bring those responsible to justice.
The sentencing of Avoid Siajena, while providing a measure of justice for the victims and their families, does little to address the underlying issues contributing to violence at mining sites. The judge’s comments highlight the need for a deeper societal conversation about the value of human life, particularly within the context of often unregulated and high-pressure mining environments.
