An illegal gold miner from Bindura who was on the police wanted list was shot and killed during a kidnapping incident on Friday.
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred when police reacted after two workers from Botha mining syndicate were kidnapped by 31 illegal gold miners who were armed with machetes, spears, knives, catapults, axes and logs.
He said the suspects claimed to be driving out illegal miners from Kitsiyatota mining area and refused to disarm before police fired four warning shots.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the deceased, identified as 21-year-old Claudius Tavazera, was shot on the left knee as the group kept on advancing.
The other suspects are said to have fled the scene.
Police rescued the two victims and referred them to Bindura Hospital, where one of their tormentors Tavazera succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.
Investigations have revealed that Tavazera and some of his accomplices were on the police wanted list for robbery and rape cases.
Police have since launched a manhunt for Kudakwashe Njenge and Behavior Gwaimani, among others
