Police seize 12 suspected Chinese excavators in gold crackdown

Police in Manicaland have impounded 12 excavators in a major crackdown on illegal gold mining activities along the Mutare River, in an operation targeting organised syndicates suspected to be operating in the area.

The operation, conducted last Thursday under a Joint Operations Command initiative involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), led to the discovery of heavy machinery concealed in bushy terrain near Beauly.

Manicaland acting police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed that the excavators—comprising CMD, XCMG, CAT and Carter machines—were hidden in an apparent attempt to evade detection. Authorities suspect the equipment may belong to Chinese nationals, although investigations are still ongoing.

Police believe the operators may have received prior warning of the raid and fled, leaving the machinery behind. The excavators remain at the site under police guard.

Chinyoka said the operation was aimed at curbing illegal mining and restoring order along the Mutare River, where environmental degradation and unregulated extraction have become a growing concern.

During the same operation, 11 suspects were arrested for criminal trespassing at Chikanga Farm after they were found in possession of mining equipment despite not actively mining. Recovered items included PVC piping, shovels, mattocks, gas blowers, submersible pumps, generators, a wheelbarrow, heavy-duty hammers and diesel.

Some of those arrested have been identified as Nobert Simon, Michael Samuel, Beaven Kararira, Taurai Nyasvimba, Terrence Chakatyi, Trust Jerenyenje, Charles Chimbadzwa and Taona Muchekenyedze.

In a related raid at Champion Mine, police recovered additional equipment including a wash plant, generator and submersible pump, which had also been hidden in a bush and guarded by private security personnel. Two guards employed by Melta Security Company—Douglas Maocha and Maxwell Mika—were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

The guards implicated Peter Makunura of Yungtech Private Limited, who was subsequently arrested.

Police say investigations are continuing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks and protect Zimbabwe's mineral resources.