Machete gang leader Claudius Tavazera (21) was on Friday gunned down by the police in a shootout in Bindura.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said; “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of Claudius Tavazera, who died in a shootout incident which occurred in Bindura on March 4, 2022 at about 1200hrs,”
Tavazera and 30 other suspects, armed with machetes, allegedly attacked and kidnapped two employees of Botha Mining Syndicate who were trying to drive illegal gold miners out of Kitsiyatota area.
Police said they encountered the gang which attacked the officers prompting them to call for reinforcements and to fire four warning shots.
The suspects allegedly ignored the warning shots and attacked the police until Tavazera was shot on the left knee, prompting the other gang members to flee.
The police rescued the Botha Mining Syndicate employees and ferried them to Bindura Hospital together with the suspect.
Nyathi said Tavazera died at Bindura Hospital while receiving treatment.
