The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has called for a thorough investigation into violent clashes at Chenxi Chengetai Mining Investments’ Wanderer Mine in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, which left one person dead, three injured and five excavators burnt, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The incident occurred on the night of 2 November 2026 at Chenxi Mine Site Four in the Wanderer mining area, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirming that investigations were underway into a case of public violence.
In a statement issued through its Media and Public Relations Department, ZMF condemned the violence, saying the loss of life and destruction of mining equipment were unacceptable and threatened the safety of people working in the sector.
The Federation extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery, while urging the police and other relevant authorities to conduct impartial investigations and bring those responsible to account.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation have not yet been fully established. However, reports surrounding the incident point to tensions over access to mining ground, with allegations that security personnel had moved to remove artisanal miners from the company’s mining premises before the situation escalated.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations were underway but did not identify those involved or disclose the circumstances that led to the violence.
The incident has also drawn attention to the challenges of managing relations between established mining operators and artisanal miners in mineral-rich areas where competing interests over access to gold-bearing ground can create tensions.
ZMF urged stakeholders to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while investigations continue, warning that premature accusations could prejudice the process and further inflame tensions within the mining community.
The Federation also called on miners, mining companies, security personnel and surrounding communities to exercise restraint and use lawful channels to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence.
The incident comes amid wider efforts to formalise Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, with the Government seeking to improve productivity, promote responsible mining and ensure that more small-scale operators work within regulated structures.
Chenxi has previously been associated with initiatives aimed at supporting artisanal miners in Shurugwi. In 2025, the company committed more than US$1 million towards developing a 120-hectare relocation site at Bonza and supporting small-scale mining activities through equipment provision and infrastructure development, according to company representatives.
The latest violence raises questions about how competing mining interests, access to mineral claims and the protection of mining investments can be managed without undermining the participation of artisanal miners in the gold sector.
ZMF reaffirmed its willingness to work with Government, law enforcement agencies, mining companies and other stakeholders to promote the formalisation of small-scale mining and peaceful coexistence across the sector.
The Federation said the long-term growth of mining depended on respect for the rule of law, responsible mining practices and the protection of lives and property.
