Robbers who shot three Chinese nationals at Alaska...

Robbers who shot three Chinese nationals at Alaska mine, missed targeted payoff: Sensitive Images Warning

Warning: This article carries graphic images of injuries and may not be suitable for people of sensitive dispositions

6 armed, masked robbers storm mine, 1 a.m. Nov 10
3 Chinese nationals shot, injured; one serious
Robbers may have been targeting cash that had removed
Injured taken to Harare, stable condition

The robbers who shot three Chinese nationals at Lanyun Mining’s processing unit in Alaska near Chinhoyi, probably missed the large amount they were targeting, according to intelligence.

Police is yet to confirm the incident but Zim Now is reliably informed that one individual suffered a severe arm injury, resulting in fractures and nerve damage. Two others sustained leg injuries after being shot when they handed over $800, which the robbers deemed insufficient.

The three named by mine sources as Chen Fang Jun, 49, He Long ,25, and Wang Yin Bin, 49, were ferried to a Harare hospital where they are reported to be in stable condition.

“It is suspected that the robbers premeditated the robbery, having learned that large amounts of cash were stored on-site. However, they were unaware that the finance staff had returned to Harare with some of the funds, leading to a significant discrepancy between the amount they stole and what they had anticipated, which may have fueled their anger and violent response, said Mr Wang Xinju of the Chinese Mutual Aid Foundation.

The foundation coordinates Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe to assist each other in various ways including when they are targets of crime.

Mr Wang said that the robbery occurred around 1 a.m. this Sunday, November10 when six masked men stormed the mine site.

Armed with six handguns, the gang fired multiple shots upon entry, forcing the security guard to flee and raise the alarm.

Mr Wang said still firing in the air, the robbers broke into the finance manager’s office which they ransacked but found no cash.

A Chinese individual in another room opened the door to investigate after hearing the gunshots and the robbers shot him in the arm at close range.

The victim is believed to be seriously injured.

Two other Chinese nationals in nearby rooms also heard the commotion and attempted to check the situation.

The robbers forced them back into their room, demanding money.

One of the individuals handed over $800, which the robbers deemed insufficient. They then fired at both individuals' legs at close range.

After the incident, officials from the Chinese Mutual Aid Foundation in Zimbabwe and the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe coordinated with the hospital to prepare for the emergency transfer of the injured individuals.

In related but separate incident an amed robbery occurred at a Chinese-owned wood company on the outskirts of Harare on October 28, resulting in losses exceeding $30,000.

The alleged robbers recently arrested in Harare have been implicated in that case.

The foundation noted that although armed robberies targeting Chinese nationals have decreased this year, there is need for extra caution during the festive season, which is a high crime period.

The foundation noted that armed robbery incidents are on the rise throughout Zimbabwe, especially around Harare and other major cities, where multiple cases occur daily.

The foundation urged everyone to remain vigilant and avoid taking any chances and to support each other if they become aware of a robbery nearby.

Mr Wang said that Chinese nationals who legally own firearms are advised to use them responsibly to avoid accidental injuries and unnecessary complications.