Zimbabwean man still missing in Australia

Australian police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a missing Mount Isa man who is originally from Zimbabwe. 

Richard Mutimbe, 59, was last seen at his place of employment, Mount Isa Mines, in Mount Isa on Friday February 28 and has not been seen since at his usual place of residence, the Argylla Caravan Park or any other location since.

He is not believed to be in possession of a motor vehicle and was reported missing to police by his employer on March 6. A Mount Isa Mines spokesperson said the company was assisting police with their investigation.

Mount Isa Police Inspector Trevor Kidd said police had been visiting the mine lease and working with Mount Isa Mines employees to further the investigation.

“We have just been checking some areas there and again, just checking back where he has worked and what some of his movements might have been,” he said.

Inspector Kidd said they believed Mr Mutimbe has clocked in at work but had failed to clock out.

“I think that is part of the reason that we are looking around over there and making inquiries with the mine, because there are multiple methods of getting in and out of the mine and we are looking at all those things,” he said.

Inspector Kidd said police were working closely with Mount Isa Mines to check CCTV footage, and had been able to access Mr Mutimbe’s bank account history, but were unable to release details about the transaction history.

Mr Mutimbe is described as 180cm tall, solid build, black hair, brown eyes, dark complexion, and is of African-Zimbabwe decent.

A Zimbabwean based in Australia told Nehanda Radio;

“Because he was working in the mines living alone, no one is pushing the police. He had a messy divorce with his wife who is an aspiring pastor.

“Nyaya yacho yango nyarara (the story has gone quiet). Maybe if they publish something can be done. I think hama dzacho kumusha (the relatives back home) do not even know.”

Anyone with information which could assist should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hrs a day.