Two police guards killed in Mozambique mine raid, Gemfields confirms

Thursday 16th October 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Two police officers were killed when armed intruders attacked the Montepuez ruby mine in northern Mozambique, gemstone producer Gemfields said on Thursday.

The company said dozens of men armed with machetes and homemade weapons stormed the concession late Monday, overpowering guards and seizing ruby ore before fleeing into nearby forest.

“The situation is under investigation by the police,” Gemfields said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety of all personnel and the restoration of security.”

Mozambique’s Ministry of Mineral Resources confirmed the deaths and said additional forces had been deployed to the area. Officials described the incident as one of the most serious security breaches in recent years at the site, which is among the world’s largest ruby operations.

Illegal mining remains widespread in Montepuez district, where high-value stones draw artisanal diggers from across the region. Companies have long complained of incursions, equipment theft and sporadic violence.

Local media reported that operations were temporarily suspended while security was reinforced. Authorities said no arrests had yet been made.

The Montepuez mine, majority-owned by Gemfields and Mozambique’s Mwiriti Limitada, has been a major source of export revenue since 2012. Analysts said the incident could unsettle investor confidence in Mozambique’s mining sector if attacks persist.