Mthokozisi Ncube
FILABUSI has turned into a lawless zone where machete-wielding gangs of gold panners roam with impunity, leaving terror and death in their wake.
On 5 November, a local businessman, Siphosenkosi Dube (27), became the latest victim of a brutal attack that shocked the community. Siphosenkosi, the son of Ward 7 Councillor Matilda Dube, was stabbed in the back by a machete during a raid by a gang of unruly omakorokoza, panners. The blade pierced his lungs and protruded at the front, killing him instantly.
Witnesses watched in horror as the attack unfolded, but none are willing to speak openly to police. One local source, who requested anonymity, told B-Metro that fear of the machete gangs keeps residents silent.
“Almost everyone saw what happened but no one will say anything. Omakorokoza do as they please here. They claim to have powerful people protecting them. Even when they are arrested, they are back on the streets in less than a day.
They rape and kill freely, and witnesses are always targeted afterward,” the source said.
According to witnesses, the chaos began when a Nissan High-Roof Kombi carrying armed panners screeched to a halt at the Vokola Village business centre. Men armed with axes and machetes jumped out, demanding to know the whereabouts of a rival gang led by a panner named Khonzani.
“Everyone scattered because we knew if anyone died, no arrests would follow,” said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Siphosenkosi was unable to escape the attackers. “One of the gang members killed him in cold blood as people watched from hiding places,” the witness said. Another revealed chilling details of the gang’s brutality.
Gang leader, identified only as Mike, reportedly shouted at his men after they attacked Siphosenkosi. “Ubulele indwangu engelacala, U Khonzani kakho lapha. Asambeni! (You killed an innocent baboon. Khonzani is not here. Let’s go!)” he allegedly yelled before retreating to the Kombi.
The incident has left the Dube family devastated. Siphosenkosi’s brother, Sikhulile Dube, told B-Metro that the family is desperate for justice.
“My brother was laid to rest at Bambanani Village on Sunday. He left behind a young baby. We need answers. People are whispering about what happened, but no one is talking to the police. The family wants justice,” he said.
Local law enforcement confirmed the killing, but details remain scarce. Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, deputy police spokesperson for Matabeleland South, said a case exists but he could not give finer details.
“Such a case exists but I cannot give a full comment as I am out of office at the moment,” he said.
Villagers say the killings are part of an escalating turf war between rival omakorokoza gangs in Filabusi. These panners have been terrorising villages, demanding protection fees, and attacking anyone seen as a threat. Many villagers are afraid to speak up, fearing retaliation.
“Filabusi has become a Wild West. No one is safe when these gangs arrive. They operate with confidence and law enforcement struggles to keep up,” a local community leader said.
The shocking murder of Siphosenkosi Dube highlights the growing lawlessness in gold panning areas. Families live in fear, and communities are struggling to protect themselves from violent gangs who operate openly with knives, machetes and axes.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about who is behind the gangs and how long residents will have to live under this reign of terror. For now, Vokola mourns a young father cut down in cold blood, and the people of Filabusi hope justice will finally catch up with the killers.
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