Makandiwa Gold Mine Kidnappers Granted Bail

Five men accused of kidnapping villagers they accused of stealing gold ore at a mine believed to be owned by United Family International Church (UFIC) leader Emmanuel Makandiwa in Mutawatawa, will be back in court on March 18.

Garikai Murambidzi, Warren Chinyani, Joseph Dzomba, Osward Mukwesha and Brian Mawarura were granted $100 bail each when they appeared before Mutawatawa magistrate Mr Elijah Sibanda yesterday. They are facing kidnapping charges. Alternatively, they will be charged with unlawful detention.

The five allegedly committed the offence on January 24 this year at Havilah Mine. They accused some villagers of stealing gold ore at Havilah Gold Mine. The gang took the villagers to Havilah Milling Plant where they locked them up in a small room around 1pm. They allegedly interrogated the suspects and severely assaulted them. The villagers were detained for 23 hours until 12 noon the following day. After release, the villagers were handed over to the police. Police investigations later revealed the kidnapping and torture, leading to the arrest of the five. The villagers were also employed at Havilah Mine, which is commonly known as “KwaMakandiwa”.