Four Bulawayo Men in Court Over US$55,000 Mine Theft

Four Bulawayo men have appeared in court facing charges of unlawfully entering a mine in Umguza District and stealing property worth US$55,000, with part of the loot recovered (image source)

BULAWAYO — Four men from Bulawayo appeared in court on Wednesday facing charges of unlawfully entering a mine in Hope Fountain, Umguza District, and stealing property valued at US$55,000.

The accused, Fortune Ngoma (33), Mthungameli Ndebele (29), Thokozani Sithole (32) and Shepherd Ngoma (34), all of Village A3 in Hope Fountain, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Patience Madondo. They are facing charges of unlawful entry and theft and were granted bail of US$100 each. The quartet was remanded out of custody to January 27.

Prosecutor Mr Methuli Ncube told the court that on December 24, 2025, the accused allegedly took advantage of the absence of security guards at Fools Mine and conspired to steal mine property. Acting in connivance, the men allegedly forced open office and workshop doors and unlawfully gained entry into the premises.

Once inside, the accused are said to have stolen various items, including 15 double beds, four office tables, a compressor, 10 office chairs, an office door, 12 oil drums, seven 25-litre containers of cyanide, 25 litres of acid, 10 gas tanks, a crusher, 20 blankets and four tyres, before fleeing the scene.

The matter was reported to the police, triggering investigations that led to the arrest of the accused and the recovery of some of the stolen property. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at US$55,000, with property worth approximately US$25,000 having been recovered.

The case has attracted attention in Umguza District, with authorities stressing the need for tighter security at mining operations to curb incidents of theft. The trial continues later this month.