Six Gold Theft Suspects Flee After Mberengwa Crash

Six suspected gold thieves are on the run after their getaway vehicle crashed and caught fire during a high-speed pursuit in Mberengwa, with police recovering gold-bearing carbon worth an estimated US$16,500 from the wreckage. The incident occurred around 1 am on Sunday following an alleged break-in at Draw Mark 19 Mine.

Police said 150 kilogrammes of gold-bearing carbon were recovered from the burnt-out vehicle after the suspects abandoned it and fled into nearby bushes. According to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the suspects allegedly targeted underground carbon tanks at the mine before escaping in a white Honda Fit.

Their movements were discovered after a mine security guard noticed footprints leading away from the mining area. The trail reportedly led to the Honda Fit, which had been parked about 100 metres from the mine. The security guard, together with a mine driver, then pursued the vehicle in a Honda Shuttle. The chase continued towards the junction of Old Bulawayo Road and Mimosa Road, where the two vehicles collided.

The impact severely damaged the Honda Fit, which subsequently caught fire.

“The six occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bushes,” Mahoko said.

The suspects managed to escape before police arrived at the scene.

Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police's Zvishavane Traffic Section and the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit later attended the crash scene and searched the wrecked vehicle. They recovered the 150kg of gold-bearing carbon, which police valued at approximately US$16,500. Mahoko said the recovery meant that none of the allegedly stolen material was lost despite the suspects escaping.

Police have launched investigations to identify the six suspects and establish their whereabouts. Authorities are also expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged break-in and determine how the suspects gained access to the mine's underground carbon tanks.

Police appealed to members of the public who may have information about the suspects or the incident to report it to the nearest police station.

“We appeal to members of the public with information that could assist police in identifying and apprehending the suspects to report to their nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing,” Mahoko said.

The incident highlights continuing security challenges facing Zimbabwe's gold sector, where valuable gold-bearing material can become a target for organised theft. Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the Mberengwa incident.

• Mberengwa gold theft

•  Six suspected gold thieves escaped after their Honda Fit crashed and caught fire during a pursuit in Mberengwa. Police recovered 150kg of gold-bearing carbon.