Two Illegal Gold Miners Appear in Court After Storing a Mine and Stealing 50 Bags of Gold Ore

Two illegal gold miners, Sifelani Moyo (26) and Brighton Phiri (29), have appeared in court after they stormed a mine in West Nicholson and stole 50 bags of gold ore. The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, when the duo, accompanied by three accomplices, attacked two security guards stationed at the site, severely assaulting one of them and leaving him for dead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sifelani Moyo (26) and Brighton Phiri (29) appeared in court facing charges of attempted murder and robbery after stealing 50 bags of gold ore from Magama Mine in West Nicholson.
  • The pair stormed the mine on August 23, 2025, armed with machetes and axes, and attacked two security guards, severely assaulting one of them and leaving him for dead.
  • The guards, Mr. Decent Nkomo and Mr. Irvine Ncube, managed to identify the attackers as illegal miners who had previously caused disturbances in the area.
  • The matter was reported to the police, who attended the scene and investigated the incident, leading to the arrest of Moyo and Phiri while their accomplices remain at large.
  • The stolen gold ore, 50 bags in total, was loaded onto an unidentified vehicle and the attackers fled the scene.
  • Mr. Ncube was found motionless on the ground and was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital and later referred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for further treatment.

Statistics:

  • 50 bags of gold ore were stolen from Magama Mine in West Nicholson.
  • Two security guards, Mr. Decent Nkomo and Mr. Irvine Ncube, were attacked by the pair of illegal miners.
  • One of the guards was severely assaulted and left for dead, suffering from injuries.
  • 2 security guards were manhandled and left trepidation at the mine during the attack.
  • Sifelani Moyo (26) and Brighton Phiri (29) were arrested for attempted murder and robbery.
  • 2 accused, are appearing before the Gwanda magistrate, Mr Progress Murandu.

Sources:

  • [Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the gang invaded Magama Mine in West Nicholson on August 23, 2025]
  • [The suspects is reported to have stolen 50 bags of gold ore]
  • [The entire court proceedings details]