By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASHAVA – A 27-year-old man from Chief Masunda area in Zvishavane, Munashe Mache, died after being attacked with a machete during a violent clash at Devon 86 Mine, Mashava.
The incident, which occurred on October 28, 2025, was confirmed by Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu.
“I can confirm we have an incident where a man from Zvishavane died after being attacked by a machete after a violent clash at a mine in Mashava,” said Ass Inspector Patinyu.
According to the police, the tension started on October 15 when an estimated 300 artisanal miners, commonly known as makorokoza, allegedly discovered gold at Devon 86 Mine.
The mining claim owner Rodrick Muumbire (46) is said to have confronted the artisanal miners, informing them that the mine was registered in his name, but agreed to make arrangements to work together with them.
On October 28, at around 11 PM, Muumbire reportedly arrived at the mine from Zvishavane with an excavator, two tipper trucks and three men, including Mache, who had been brought to work at the mine.
Upon seeing this, the artisanal miners allegedly assumed that Muumbire intended to evict them, leading to a violent confrontation.
During the chaos and darkness of the night, one of the artisanal miners is said to have struck Mache with a machete, hitting him once in the back and once on the right wrist.
Despite his injuries, Mache managed to escape and was taken to Zvishavane District Hospital by a well-wisher.
He was later transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where he died upon admission on October 30 due to the severity of his injuries. His body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
While artisanal mining remains a key source of income for many communities, violent incidents like this are becoming common.
Recently, , three artisanal miners killed their 22-year-old colleague by tying a rope on him and beating him severely with a switch after accusing him of stealing gold ore in Manyama area in Masvingo
