A heavily armed gang of about 30 robbers, some dressed in camouflage, stormed a Chinese-owned gold mine in Shamva on the night of April 13, making off with gold, cash, mobile phones, and firearms, police have confirmed.
The brazen heist took place at Ming Chang Sino Africa Mine in the Tafuna area of Mashonaland Central. The attackers reportedly got away with US$7,000 in cash, 20 grams of gold, 50 mobile phones, and two Mossberg shotguns.
The robbery began around 11:20 PM when 13 masked assailants—10 of them wearing military-style fatigues and armed with pistols and baton sticks—approached the mine’s main entrance and overpowered two security guards.
Simultaneously, another group of about 17 suspects breached the perimeter fence and rounded up more than 50 workers.
“The suspects ordered the workers to lie on the ground while assaulting them and demanding cash and valuables,” police said in a statement.
The Mine’s General Manager, Yuehui Du (45), was force-marched to his office, where he surrendered five mobile phones and US$1,200 in cash. In a separate incident, the Stores Manager, Jie Bao (38), was robbed of US$3,200, 20 grams of gold, and two mobile phones.
The workers were also searched, collectively losing US$2,564 in cash. In total, 50 mobile phones were taken from both staff and management.
The robbers also disarmed security personnel, seizing two Mossberg shotguns during the raid.
Although the gang appeared highly coordinated, police believe the sheer number of attackers may have introduced vulnerabilities, potentially leaving behind clues that could aid investigators.
The use of camouflage uniforms has raised concerns about the possible involvement of individuals with access to military-style gear.
Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the mine as part of their investigation.
Authorities are also working closely with the mine’s management to assess security lapses and strengthen safety protocols at mining operations across the region.
