- Illegal miners confront guards over detention of mate
- Guards draw weapons
- One miner killed, second injured
- Two security guards arrested
- Murder and attempted murder charges preferred
Police in Nkayi have arrested two security guards in connection with a fatal shooting and attempted murder at DGL5 Mine in Inyathi, following a confrontation with a group of illegal miners.
National police spokesperson confirmed that Mbekhezele Ngwabi, 52, and Elisha Matsvai, 45, were taken into custody after a violent clash on 30 November 2025, which left one illegal miner dead and another seriously injured.
According to police, the incident occurred after the miners confronted the security guards demanding the release of their colleague, who had been apprehended for illegal mining activities.
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It was during this confrontation that Ngwabi allegedly fired a 12-bore rifle, hitting Thabo Ngwenya, 24, in the chest and neck. Ngwenya later died while being transported to hospital.
In the same altercation, Matsvai allegedly shot 19-year-old Nkosikhona Moyo, injuring him in the eye and left arm. Moyo survived and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The two guards face charges of murder and attempted murder. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have reiterated their call for restraint and lawful conflict-resolution measures in mining communities where tensions between security personnel and artisanal miners continue to escalate.
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