POLICE have confirmed an armed robbery case which happened last Friday at Chinese-owned Pin 3 Mine in Shurugwi, in the Midlands province, in which sources claimed one Chinese employee was fatally shot in the abdomen.
The police remarks came after the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe last Sunday issued a safety warning to Chinese businesses and nationals following the robbery and shooting at the mine, where a Chinese woman was said to have lost her life.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the robbery, saying investigations were still ongoing and that more details would be given as and when they are made available.
“Reference is made to media queries and social media postings regarding an armed robbery incident in Shurugwi,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are currently underway in connection with the armed robbery case that occurred at Pin 3 mine residential compound, Shurugwi, on July 25.”
Chinese online media Global Times, quoting Beijing News, reported that the victim, a Chinese national, was shot in the abdomen.
It indicated that a Chinese-owned mining company in the Midlands province was robbed at gunpoint, resulting in the death of a Chinese citizen who was shot.
The Beijing News reported that sources suspected that the armed robbers — a group of five or six — had inside information.
- Police probe Shurugwi Chinese mine armed robbery
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In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe urged local police to intensify their investigations, apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible and take effective measures to protect Chinese enterprises and citizens as well as ensure their safety.
They also called for effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese enterprises and citizens.
The embassy also urged Chinese enterprises and citizens to strengthen security precautions.
Indications by the Embassy are that despite emergency treatment, the Chinese national died following an armed robbery and shooting at the mine cite.
It noted that upon learning of the incident, the embassy immediately mobilised a Chinese medical aid team in Zimbabwe to assist with treatment.
The embassy advised Chinese enterprises and citizens in Zimbabwe to stay informed about local security conditions, strengthen protective measures according to their own circumstances, and prepare emergency response plans.
It advised that those with sufficient resources are encouraged to hire professional security personnel, adding that they should stay alert against suspicious individuals, exercise caution regarding personal and property safety when going out, avoid crowded or high-risk areas, refrain from displaying cash or valuables, and minimise solo or night-time travel.
