Elinciya Witman
Tafadzwa Mangena, a 34-year-old security guard, accidentally shot his 20-year-old colleague, Andrew Ncube, while on duty at Gatling Hill Mine in Zvishavane. The incident occurred around 10 PM on October 15, 2025, as Mangena and other guards were chasing illegal gold miners.
Mangena was armed with a Khan shotgun. Although he had corked the gun, he failed to clear a 12-bore round from the chamber. While attempting to apprehend the illegal miners, he allegedly shot Ncube in the thighs.
Ncube sustained multiple gunshot wounds, bled profusely, and was rushed to Zvishavane Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.
A post-mortem examination conducted at United Bulawayo Hospital revealed that the cause of death was hypovolemic shock, laceration of blood vessels, and multiple gunshot wounds to the thigh.
Nicholas Chirenda, who worked alongside both Mangena and Ncube and was on patrol with them that night, reported hearing a gunshot followed by Ncube’s cries, indicating that he had been shot in both legs.
“I heard a gunshot and then Andrew crying, indicating he was shot in both legs,” Chirenda said.
“Tafadzwa stated that he had discharged the gun accidentally. He dropped his firearm and tried to help, then sought assistance to take Ncube to the hospital.”
Initially, Mangena was charged with murder but pleaded not guilty, choosing instead to accept a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
After reviewing the evidence presented by the defense and witnesses, the court acquitted him of murder but convicted him of culpable homicide.
The Magistrate noted, “While the court understands the circumstances surrounding the incident, we cannot disregard the fact that a life was lost due to his negligence. Although we are convinced that the incident was an accident at the workplace, we must acknowledge the tragic outcome.”
The court recognized Mangena’s remorse, which was evidenced by his efforts to rush Ncube to the hospital and his subsequent traditional compensation of five cattle to Ncube’s family.
However, the court found the defense counsel’s request for community service unacceptable and sentenced Mangena to three years of imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offense.
