Govt condemns violence at Mnangagwa son’s Shurugwi mine
The Government, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, has condemned violent clashes between artisanal miners and security personnel at Wanderer Mine Site Number 4, operated by Chengxi Mine in Shurugwi, Midlands Province.
According to ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, one person was killed, and three others were injured during the violence on Monday night. Five excavators were also set on fire.
Reports indicate that the disturbances were linked to attempts by the mine’s owners to remove artisanal miners operating under Marufu Sithole at Wanderer and Chris Mahara at Boterekwa.
Chenxi Investments (Private) Limited, commonly known as Chengxi, is a Chinese-linked mining company reportedly co-owned by Collins Mnangagwa, son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, alongside Chinese investors.
The company is one of the largest mining operations in Shurugwi and has been conducting open-cast heap leach mining at Wanderer, Boterekwa and Dunraven since 2021.
In a statement, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said it had deployed a team to investigate the incident and establish the facts.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of the Government of Zimbabwe reports of violent clashes between artisanal miners and mine security personnel at Wanderer Mine Site Number 4, operated by Chengxi Mine in Shurugwi, Midlands Province,” reads the statement.
“The incident reportedly resulted in injuries, the hospitalisation of two security personnel and the burning of five excavators.
“The Ministry strongly condemns violence, destruction of property and all forms of unlawful conduct in the mining sector. Mining disputes must be resolved through established legal and administrative channels.
“The Ministry has already dispatched a team to investigate the incident, verifying the mining rights in the disputed area and assess compliance with mining, safety and environmental regulations.
“The Ministry will work with the law enforcement agencies, the mine operator, the artisanal miners and the local leadership.
“This way, it will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken against any parties found to have violated the law.
“The Ministry reiterates that both mining companies and artisanal miners must operate within the law. Government remains committed to promoting responsible mining.
“The formalisation of artisanal miners, protection of lawful mining rights and peaceful coexistence between mining companies and surrounding communities is paramount.
“Once again, I want to assure all stakeholders that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has dispatched inspectors with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to the site to carry out a full investigation, and updates will be provided.”i
