Police shoot a 14-year-old minor at Ruby Mining in Montepuez

In the Namanhumbir mines, in Montepuez District, Cabo Delgado Province, numerous problems involving artisanal miners, as well as security issues, have been reported since the last months of last year and the beginning of this year.

There have been several land collapses in nearly all the mines operating in that area while miners were at work.

According to local sources, the incident occurred in the afternoon, at around 2:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026, at the Ruby Mining site in Namanhumbir, Montepuez District, when a group of children was walking through the mining area. Police officers on patrol encountered the children, causing them to panic and flee.

During the chase, the officers opened fire on the group, and one of the children was shot.

The minors were not in the forest for mining activities but were merely out walking, our sources said.

The victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the Montepuez District Hospital. As of now, the Mozambique Republic Police, through the Montepuez District Command, has not yet issued any statement regarding the incident. (BP)