Protest Erupts in Chiyadzwa After Illegal Miner Allegedly Killed by Soldier
By Fanuel Chinowaita
Chiyadzwa, Mashukashuka — Tension is high in Chiyadzwa’s Mashukashuka area this morning after residents carried the body of a deceased man to a soldiers’ base, demanding justice over what they allege was a fatal assault by a member of the Zimbabwe National Army.
A source at the scene told this publication that a soldier, commonly known as CMC, allegedly beat and killed an illegal diamond miner identified as Tafadzwa Chamatunga from Buhera during the night.
Residents from the surrounding area reportedly mobilised soon after the incident, carrying the deceased’s body to the soldiers’ base while singing and beating drums in protest. The demonstrators are demanding accountability for the death.
According to the source, soldiers at the base initially ordered residents to leave with the body. However, the crowd later regrouped and forced their way back to the base, escalating the standoff.
Police officers from Bambazonge (Marange) Police Station have since arrived at the scene. Information reaching this publication indicates that the police are awaiting the arrival of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over the matter later this morning.
It is further alleged that the same soldier assaulted at least seven people during the same night, though these claims are yet to be officially confirmed.
Authorities had not issued a formal statement at the time of publication. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.