A miner at Chinese-owned Sino Africa Huijin was shot by security guards on Sunday, 12 April 2026, after allegedly failing to pay extortion fees demanded at the mine.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) said the unarmed miner was shot from behind, suggesting he was fleeing and posed no immediate threat at the time.
The mine, located at Premier Estate in Old Mutare, is reportedly operated by a Chinese syndicate allegedly linked to local political figures. CNRG further claims the operation is illegal, as its mining permit expired and was not renewed.
The organisation said the incident reflects a troubling pattern of violence at the site and across Zimbabwe’s extractive sector, adding that it has recorded three shooting incidents at the mine over the past five years.
“The latest incident occurred when an unarmed miner was shot after failing to pay, despite already being regularly exploited by guards. He survived but was seriously injured,” reads part of the statement.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the victim, name withheld, was allegedly shot and injured from the back, strongly suggesting that he was fleeing and posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting.
“If confirmed, this points to a deeply troubling use of excessive and unjustified force.
“The priority in such situations must always be apprehension and due process, not the meting out of extrajudicial punishment.”
According to CNRG, Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying the miner was shot in self-defence after security guards fired warning shots to disperse a group of suspected intruders.
CNRG said information gathered indicates that some artisanal miners are colluding with security guards to gain access to the site.
Under this arrangement, guards are accused of corruption and abuse, allowing miners to operate only after paying bribes of about US$10 for a few bags of ore.
Those who fail to pay are reportedly beaten, stoned or assaulted, with further claims of extortion of up to US$2,000, as well as threats and gunfire used to intimidate miners.
“Community members allege that guards are manipulating and targeting local youth, while also engaging in theft themselves,” said the CNRG.
“There is growing anger and concern that security personnel are abusing their power, and calls are being made for accountability and an end to the violence and exploitation.
“The continued use of live ammunition against civilians, particularly artisanal and small-scale miners, reflects a systemic failure to uphold human rights and protect vulnerable communities.
“What is most alarming is the apparent impunity under which such acts are carried out, often with little to no accountability for perpetrators.”
