Zimbabwean Gold Miner Faces Botswana Court
Zimbabwean Gold Miner Faces Botswana Court
A 22-year-old Zimbabwean man, Mbongeni Mkandla, appeared in a Botswana court on crutches after being allegedly shot by soldiers during his arrest for illegal gold mining. Mkandla, injured in the left knee, admitted to entering Botswana through an ungazetted point but deferred his plea on the illegal mining charge.
Botswana authorities claim Mkandla was part of a group of 13 miners caught at the Matsiloje Old Mines last week. While others fled, he was apprehended after a scuffle that led to his injury.
Matsiloje Station Commander Superintendent Oteng Ngada confirmed Mkandla’s arrest and hospitalization at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.
State prosecutor Chilume Mpena opposed bail, citing Mkandla’s status as an irregular immigrant and potential flight risk. Mkandla remains in custody, awaiting sentencing for border jumping and further proceedings on the mining charge as investigations into his injury continue. Zimbabwean Gold Miner Faces Botswana Court
