Police have launched a manhunt for three knife and machete wielding robbers who attacked a Gwanda mine owner and escaped with $500.

“We are investigating a robbery case where a mine operator at Cobra Nine Mine which is at Bina Mine was robbed by three unidentified men who were armed with knives and machetes and they stole $500 from him. They confronted him under the pretext of doing business and then fled from the scene.

This incident occurred at the mine on Monday around 4AM.

“We have launched a manhunt for these culprits and we are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to their arrest to approach any police station near them,” he said.

Insp Ndebele also appealed to members of the public to be wary of people who approach them in the middle of the night under the pretext of doing business.

He also advised people not to resist robbers’ orders when being attacked as that could endanger their lives.

A source who preferred anonymity said Mr Shoniwa was manning the mine when the three men approached him “to negotiate a price” for gold ore.

“The men then produced knives and machetes and demanded cash from Mr Shoniwa. They tripped him to the ground and threatened to kill him if he didn’t comply.

“Mr Shoniwa out of fear handed over $500 to the robbers and pointed out that it was the only money he had on him. The robbers fled from the scene leaving Mr Shoniwa on the ground. He sustained minor bruises from the attack and rushed to alert his work mates,” he said.- state media