MARANGE, ZIMBABWE – Allegations of excessive force and human rights violations have surfaced against the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) following the death of an artisanal miner, Abel Mutindindi.
According to civil society organizations and witness accounts, Mutindindi allegedly suffered fatal injuries at the hands of ZCDC security personnel.Reports indicate that Mutindindi and three colleagues were confronted by ZCDC guards while panning for diamonds on January 28. The miners were allegedly pursued and forced into a dam before being assaulted. One individual managed to escape, while Mutindindi and two others were reportedly captured and subjected to further violence. Mutindindi is said to have endured attacks by security dogs and beatings from multiple guards.
After being released the following morning, Mutindindi sought help from a nearby homestead but later succumbed to his injuries on January 30 while being transported to a private hospital in Mutare.
This incident has renewed scrutiny of security practices within the Marange diamond fields, an area previously linked to allegations of violence and extrajudicial killings. Civil society groups claim that since ZCDC began operations in 2015, similar cases have occurred, with reports suggesting some bodies were disposed of in company-controlled areas.
Calls for Investigation
A coalition of civil society organizations, including the Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe Congress of Trades Union , the Centre for Natural Resource Governance and Zimbabwe Diamond Workers Union among others have called for an independent investigation into Mutindindi’s death and broader security practices at ZCDC.
Their demands include an official acknowledgment of the incident by ZCDC; identification and prosecution of any personnel involved ; compensation for Mutindindi’s family ; human rights training for security staff ; an independent review of ZCDC’s security operations.; an inquiry by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and a search operation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate possible unreported fatalities.
ZCDC’s Response
In response to inquiries, ZCDC spokesperson Sugar Chagonda directed questions to law enforcement authorities, stating, “I wish to acknowledge receipt of your communication. However, please note that this matter is being handled by the ZRP, who are carrying out investigations. In this scope, it is appropriate that we refer you to them.”
Ongoing Tensions in Marange
The Marange diamond fields have been a long-standing flashpoint for conflict between security forces and artisanal miners, with recurring reports of clashes and human rights concerns.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on whether authorities will take concrete steps to address the allegations and implement reforms in security protocols at the diamond mining site.
The Marange diamond fields have long been at the center of controversy regarding natural resource governance, with concerns over transparency, human rights, and equitable resource distribution. Civil society organizations argue that the continued violence against artisanal miners highlights deeper systemic issues in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector. Critics say the lack of oversight and accountability has created an environment where security forces operate with impunity, raising broader questions about the governance of Zimbabwe’s natural wealth.
This story is developing, and further updates will follow as new information becomes available.