Police in Musoma yesterday arrested three persons for allegedly stoning a patrol helicopter, property of Barrick Gold Mine, injuring both the pilot and co-pilot.
The incident occurred when a group of people was in the process of sneaking into North Mara gold mine the Mara, Regional Police Commander, David Ole Saibull, has said.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Saibull said the incident occurred on Thursday evening at around 9.00 am, when the company`s helicopter was taking aerial photographs around the mine.
According to the RPC, suspected criminals, who numbered 15, stoned the aircraft, injuring the pilot, Charles Wanchira and his assistant, Lioly Ernest�who are Kenyan and South African nationals respectively.
The rest of the group vanished as the police made some arrests.
`The helicopter was hovering close to the ground in the course of patrolling the mine. One of the criminals threw a stone that damaged the screen,` said Saibull.
`The captain managed to fly the helicopter back into the mine, after which he was rushed to the Nyangoto Hospital for preliminary check-up before being shifted to Bugando Hospital in Mwanza,` said the RPC.
Barrick Gold Mine had hired the helicopter from South Africa for patrol purposes.
Saibull said those arrested were Marwa Nyairi (40), Ginki Shyoma (24) and Nyangi Shyongo (22)�all from Kewanja Village.
Enquiries contacts: Tell no. +255 783588331 or 655588332 email: joep98@hotmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment