An artisanal miner in the Midlands’ Silobela area was murdered after an altercation with a colleague.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the victim as Freeman Sibanda and the murder suspect as Priority Bhebhe.
“They had once worked together as artisanal miners around Silobela and had a long-standing dispute,” Mahoko said.
“On the fateful day, Sibanda left Mbombela Shopping Centre with a donkey-drawn scotch cart in the company of one Wiseman Mpofu (24) also of Mbombela Village and Bhebhe.
“On their way home, they met Elvis Mpofu, who flashed Freeman with a torch on the face, forcing him to stop.
“A misunderstanding arose. Priority Bhebhe disembarked from the scotch cart and joined the scuffle supporting Elvis Mpofu.”
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Mahoko said Bhebhe then produced an axe from his jacket and struck Sibanda on the head before the two fled.
“He was rushed to Silobela District Hospital by well-wishers, but he died on the way,” he said.
“Once again, we sincerely appeal to members of the public to desist from engaging in violence in the event of disputes.”
He also appealed for any information that may assist in the arrest of Bhebhe and Mpofu.