By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTOKO, 11 October 2025— Tension is high in Mutoko following a deadly shooting incident at China Zhuhe Mining, where one suspected robber was killed under unclear circumstances after a reported attack on the gold mine in the early hours of October 9, 2025.
According to a company statement, a group of armed men allegedly scaled the mine’s courtyard wall around 00:33 a.m. intending to commit robbery. The mine claims that a Chinese engineer, armed with a licensed firearm, fired several warning shots into the air to scare off the suspects, who then fled in different directions.
However, hours later, workers discovered a man — believed to be part of the gang — lying critically injured about a kilometre from the mine. The company’s supervisor, Mr. Zilu, reportedly questioned the man before he allegedly confessed to being shot during the robbery and abandoned by his accomplices. The suspect later died before police arrived.
The official version has sparked widespread public anger and disbelief, with many Zimbabweans questioning how “warning shots fired into the air” could result in someone being fatally wounded.
“Warning shots are fired into the air. If someone died, then those were not warnings,” commented a local resident, reflecting the growing frustration among citizens over how such incidents are handled when foreign-owned companies are involved.
Villagers near the mine reportedly reacted angrily after discovering the body, suspecting foul play by the Chinese workers. Police had to intervene to calm the situation.
Human rights observers and community members have since called for a transparent investigation, saying the company’s explanation “does not add up” and that justice must prevail.
Police have confirmed launching a full-scale probe, with one accomplice of the deceased already arrested and cooperating with investigators.
Meanwhile, the Chinese engineer implicated in the incident is said to be cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.
But the public remains skeptical. “People are tired of seeing Zimbabweans dying under suspicious circumstances while foreign nationals walk free,” said another angry Mutoko resident.
