One person died and three others were injured yesterday following violent clashes between artisanal miners and security guards at Wanderer Mine Site No. 4 in Shurugwi.
The violence also resulted in the destruction of five excavators valued at approximately US$1 million.
The incident occurred at the mine operated by Chinese-owned Chengxi Mine, which holds legal rights to the claims.
According to police, tensions escalated when Chengxi security personnel attempted to remove artisanal miners who had allegedly invaded the private mining property.
The miners reportedly turned violent, overpowered the guards, and set the heavy-duty equipment on fire before fleeing the scene.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, with national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi saying investigations into the outbreak of public violence at Chengxi Mine Site No. 4 in the Wanderer mining area were underway.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said reinforcement units had been deployed to restore order and secure the area. Mining operations at the affected site have since been temporarily suspended.
Chengxi Chengetai Investments director Simon Karimanzira called for a coordinated national response to protect legitimate mining operations and safeguard investment, alleging that the attack was carried out by organised criminal groups.
Karimanzira said the company has invested more than US$1 million in 2025 to formalise artisanal mining activities at Wanderer. The investment includes the development of a 120-hectare relocation site at Bonza and the establishment of a US$300,000 milling centre aimed at supporting small-scale miners. 
