Police have arrested two men in connection with the murder of the manager of a mine in Mashonaland West Province on Wednesday night.
Admire Tasaranarwo (29) and Talent Meza (21) allegedly murdered Robert James Chilcott (68) at Seigneury Mine, Saruwe and stole a truckload of gold ore.
In a statement on Saturday evening, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the duo were part of a group of 40 people who attacked Chilcott after he made an unannounced visit to the mine to confirm reports of theft of gold ore by syndicates. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Admire Tasaranarwo (29) and Talent Meza (21) in connection with the murder of Robert James Chilcott (68) on 15th September 2021 at Seigneury Mine, Saruwe.
The two together with several other suspects who are still at large conspired to steal gold ore from the mine and hired a Nissan UD truck registration number ADK 2362 to transport the loot.
The victim clashed with the gang as he made an unannounced visit to the mine to confirm reports of theft of gold ore by syndicates working in cahoots with his workers.
40 suspects attacked Chilcott indiscriminately all over the body leading to his death. The suspects shared the ore amongst six syndicates and dispersed.
Police recovered some gold ore and 2 buckets of gold concentrate which was being milled at Zheng-Zim Investments, Calton 45 Mill, Chegutu and the Nissan UD truck used by the suspects in the commission of the offence. More arrests are pending in this case.