China Zhuhe Mining Co. Ltd has released an official statement in response to various social media reports circulating about an alleged attack and death at its gold mine in Mutoko, Mashonaland East Province.
According to the company, the online rumours have caused public misunderstanding about what happened on the early morning of October 9, 2025. The company clarified that at around 00:33 a.m., a group of gangsters attempted to enter the mine’s courtyard wall with the intention to commit robbery.
In its statement, China Zhuhe Mining explained that an on-duty Chinese engineer, who was legally armed for mining security operations, fired several warning shots into the air to stop the attempted crime. The suspects immediately fled in different directions.
The company further stated that later the same morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., local workers on the early shift found an injured man about one kilometer away from the mine. The matter was reported to Mr. Zilu, a local translator and direct supervisor at the site. Upon arrival, Mr. Zilu questioned the injured man, who allegedly admitted to being one of the gangsters involved in the robbery attempt.
The injured suspect reportedly said he had been left behind by his accomplices. Mr. Zilu quickly arranged to report the matter to the police. However, the suspect passed away before police officers reached the scene.
The company noted that while police were on their way, some local villagers who discovered the body misunderstood the situation and mistakenly suspected Chinese employees of wrongdoing. “Several innocent Chinese employees were surrounded by villagers, but the police arrived in time and brought the situation under control,” the company said.
In addressing the rumours, China Zhuhe Mining confirmed that the local police have since launched a full investigation into the incident. One accomplice of the deceased suspect is in police custody and is cooperating with investigators. The company added that police are still searching for other suspects linked to the case.
“The Chinese engineer involved in the incident is actively cooperating with the police and awaiting the authorities’ final decision,” the statement read. The company emphasized that it is fully cooperating with the investigation and will continue to assist law enforcement until the matter is resolved.
China Zhuhe Mining also urged the public to rely on official information from the company and law enforcement agencies, instead of unverified social media posts.
The statement was signed by Xiao Yong, on behalf of China Zhuhe Mining Co. Ltd, operating as Zhuhe Investments (Private) Limited, dated October 10, 2025.
