By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Gweru — The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has strongly condemned a violent clashes between artisanal miners and mine security personnel at Wanderer Mine Site Number 4 in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, which resulted in injuries, the hospitalisation of two security personnel, and the torching of five excavators.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Ministry confirmed the incident at the site, which is operated by Chengxi Mine.
Describing the events as a severe breach of law and order, the Ministry stated it “strongly condemns violence, destruction of property and all forms of unlawful conduct in the mining sector.”
The Ministry underscored that mining disputes must be resolved through established legal and administrative channels, rather than through physical confrontation and vandalism.
In response to the clashes, the Ministry has already dispatched a team of inspectors, accompanied by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), to the site to carry out a full investigation.
The team is tasked with verifying the mining rights in the disputed area and assessing compliance with mining, safety, and environmental regulations.
To establish the full facts of the incident, the Ministry said it will work closely with law enforcement agencies, the mine operator, the artisanal miners, and local leadership.
The government has vowed to ensure that appropriate action is taken against any parties found to have violated the law.
The statement reiterated the Government’s position that both mining companies and artisanal miners must operate within the bounds of the law.
“Government remains committed to promoting responsible mining,” the Ministry affirmed. It highlighted that the formalisation of artisanal miners, the protection of lawful mining rights, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between mining companies and surrounding communities are paramount to the sector’s stability.
The Ministry has assured all stakeholders that updates on the investigation will be provided as the situation develops.
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