JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – THE African Medallion Group (AMG), a precious metals company owned by business tycoon Frank Buyanga, yesterday offered to pay medical expenses and extended burial assistance to victims of Monday’s violent protests and a subsequent military-led crackdown.
The Johannesburg-headquartered company said it shared many Zimbabweans’ “utmost yearning that peace prevails in the nation of Zimbabwe”.
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said Thursday that it had dealt with over 250 cases arising from the violence. Of that number, 78 people had suffered gunshot wounds while 17 people had to undergo emergency surgery for life-threatening conditions.
Rights groups say as many as 10 people could be dead.
“AMG is strongly against the violence that occurred. It is in the same spirit that we urge the people of Zimbabwe to strive for peace and unity during these troubled times,” the company said in a statement.
“AMG management has taken urgent steps to expedite setting up of its humanitarian aid department. Our department is ready to assist those that have been affected by the violence. We urge those affected – those needing medical attention due to sustaining severe injuries and those who have lost their loved ones and require burial assistance – to send an email to our Humanitarian Aid Department ([email protected]) which is on standby and ready to assist.”
AMG said it had been “deeply moved” by the image of a woman in a wheelbarrow, her leg shattered, after she was shot in Harare. AMG said it was particularly interested in helping her, and is asking for assistance to locate her.
AMG extended its “deepest sympathy and prayers to all those that were affected”.
The company provides secure storage vaults for gold products. Last year, it completed the acquisition of the Cape Town-based Pagliari Group of master engravers and craftsmen who own the Cape Mint.
They manufacture a range of products including lapel badges, engraved rings, signage, plaques, mayoral chains, corporate gifts, tokens, key rings, jeweller stamps, custom prototype liquor bottles, cufflinks and money clips among others.
