Eight Held in Shurugwi After Brutal Killing of Artisanal Miner in US$2,800 Dispute

Eight artisanal miners have been arrested in Shurugwi over the brutal killing of a fellow miner, allegedly linked to a US$2,800 cash dispute (image source)

SHURUGWI — Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of an artisanal miner following a violent confrontation over stolen cash amounting to about US$2,800, police in Midlands province confirmed yesterday.

The victim, identified as Francis Mazarire, was allegedly murdered after an altercation linked to missing funds that a fellow miner purportedly took from another man’s cabin while he was away. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said investigations began after community members reported a serious assault and the discovery of Mazarire’s body in the area.

“We have detained eight suspects in connection with this matter and investigations are ongoing,” said Inspector Mahoko, adding that further arrests were possible as detectives follow up on leads.

Among those in custody are Tafadzwa Mashove (34) of Athlone in Gweru, Simbarashe Maroora (42) of Maroora Village under Chief Ndanga in Shurugwi, Clain Mafa (23) of Neshuro Village in Mwenezi, Noah Musemwa (36) of Village 1 in Ruchanyu, Linos Muzanarwo (42) and Talent Manjuzu (29) of Manjuzu Village under Chief Munyaradzi in Gutu, Passmore Hobo (42) of Gandiwa Village under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe, and Melusi Mataruse (23) of Marongwe Village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.

Police allege the chain of events began when Mashove’s cabin was broken into and the missing US$2,800 was discovered to have been spent in part by the accused, with reports that about US$800 was used for personal expenses. According to investigators, tensions escalated when allegations spread that Mazarire had taken the money and fled to Lalapanzi; the ensuing confrontation culminated in fatal violence.

Local leaders expressed shock at the scale of the alleged crime, noting that disputes over small sums among artisanal miners occasionally flare into violence but rarely with such deadly outcomes. Community elders are cooperating with investigators and have urged calm as police pursue the case.

“We condemn violence in any form,” said one village head. “This matter must be allowed to proceed through proper legal channels.”

Authorities indicated that the matter will be referred to the prosecuting authority once investigators complete statements and compile evidence. Forensic examinations and witness interviews are expected to form the backbone of the prosecution file, with detectives seeking to establish the exact sequence of events and the roles of each suspect.

The arrests come amid growing concerns about safety and lawlessness in some artisanal mining communities, where cash transactions, informal credit and disputes over finders’ rights can create volatile conditions. Police urged artisanal miners to adopt dispute-resolution mechanisms and involve local authorities early to prevent tensions from escalating.

Inspector Mahoko appealed to any members of the public with information to come forward, stressing that community cooperation is vital to secure convictions and deter further violence. The eight suspects remain in custody pending formal charges and possible remand to court as the investigation continues.