A Zimbabwean artisanal miner was reportedly murdered by guards at the Chinese-owned Sino Africa Huijin mine in Premier Estate, Old Mutare, on Wednesday night.
Farai Maguwu, a human rights advocate and founding director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), said the guards shot the man three times in the face. Maguwu wrote on X on Thursday morning:
<blockquote>
Last night, at the Chinese owned Sino Africa Huijin, Premier Estate at Old Mutare, a Zimbabwean artisanal miner was murdered by the guards. They pumped 3 bullets into his face. Clear case of homicide since the guards were not acting in self-defense but with actual intent to kill.
</blockquote>
Later that day, Maguwu reported that, after police officers visited the murder scene at Sino Africa Huijin in Premier Estate, up to seven police vehicles were observed lining up at the Chinese compound for refueling.
In response to Maguwu’s posts on X, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said they were investigating the allegations and assured the public that full details would be released soon. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the social media post by Farai Maguwu of Centre for Natural Resources Governance in connection with the violence, murder and allegations that the ZRP vehicles accessed fuel at Sino Africa, Huijin, Premier Estate, Penhalonga while attending to the report. The ZRP assures the public that investigations are being conducted in connection with the allegations. Full details will be released in due course.
</blockquote>
Maguwu questioned the legality of police officers accepting fuel from murder suspects and whether justice would be served after the officers allegedly received a “bribe” from those involved in the crime.

Pindula News

A miner was killed by guards at a Chinese-owned mine in Zimbabwe. The police visited the crime scene and later used fuel from the same mine. The police are now being investigated for accepting fuel from murder suspects. People are questioning if justice will be served or if the police took a bribe. Farai Maguwu, a human rights advocate, raised concerns about the police officers' actions. The Zimbabwe Republic Police said they are looking into the allegations and will provide more information soon.

Seven Police Vehicles Get Fuel From Miner Implicated In Murder Case | Report

A 36-year-old Chinese national, Yang Zhian, a mining supervisor at Long Fortune Mine in Collen Bawn, has been remanded in custody for the murder of 31-year-old Pardon Gumbo, an artisanal miner.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on March 5, 2025, Gumbo and a group of artisanal miners entered the Long Fortune Mine to prospect for gold using metal detectors and a mattock.
They were confronted by a 22-year-old security guard, Gift Tashinga Mandeya, who denied them access, but the miners continued prospecting near the slime dam.
Mandeya then alerted Yang Zhian via radio. Zhian allegedly armed himself with a firearm and proceeded to the scene, where he opened fire on the group of artisanal miners.
Gumbo was later found lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the forehead. His colleagues called the police, who rushed him to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Yang Zhian appeared in court on Friday, March 07, 2025, and was remanded in custody until March 21, 2025, as the investigation into the incident continues.

A Chinese man named Yang Zhian killed a miner named Pardon Gumbo at a mine in Gwanda. Gumbo and other miners were looking for gold when they were stopped by a security guard. The guard called Zhian who shot at the miners, killing Gumbo. Zhian has been arrested and will be in custody until the investigation is finished. This happened on March 5, 2025. Zhian will go to court on March 21, 2025.

Chinese National Kills Artisanal Miner In Gwanda

A Chinese company hired by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to close open pits left by artisanal miners in Umzingwane River reneged on the deal and was found carrying out riverbed mining.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/chinese-company-hired-to-undo-damage-by-illegal-miners-was-mining-at-night-official/">ZimLive</a>, EMA terminated the partnership with the company, Friends of the Environment, but it is unclear if anyone was prosecuted.
Tafadzwa Muguti, the secretary for presidential affairs and devolution, revealed how Friends of the Environment duped EMA during his visit to the catchment areas of major dams in Matabeleland South to witness the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
By engaging in illegal activities, Friends of the Environment damaged a bridge at the confluence of the Umzingwane and Inyankuni rivers.
Officials say this contributed to poor inflows into major dams supplying Bulawayo with water. Said Muguti:
<blockquote>
We had a Chinese company here, Friends of the Environment, who partnered with EMA and the province later found out that by day they were closing the pits in the name of Friends of the Environment and by night they were mining. They destroyed a whole bridge while looking for gold.
</blockquote>
Rampant illegal mining is being blamed for the low water levels in dams supplying the City of Bulawayo, despite recent rainfall. Added Muguti:
<blockquote>
There was a cabinet directive which ordered all provinces to intensify the anti-alluvial mining campaign.
Now this is almost a 150-meter bridge which was destroyed completely in the name of mining. This is the Umzingwane River, it supplies water to Bulawayo and the collapse of this bridge is causing water challenges as the water has stopped flowing.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has experienced a surge in mining investment from Chinese companies, but Muguti acknowledges that “not everyone is here for the benefit of Zimbabwe.”

A Chinese company hired to fix environmental damage caused by illegal miners in Zimbabwe was caught mining for gold at night. They were supposed to close dangerous holes in the ground left by the miners. The company caused damage to a bridge which affected water supply to the city of Bulawayo. The partnership with the company was ended, but it is unclear if anyone was punished. The government is cracking down on illegal mining to protect the environment and water sources. Some Chinese companies are not helping Zimbabwe like they should.

Chinese Company Hired To Reverse Environmental Damage Destroys Bridge While Searching For Gold at Night

By Farai Maguwu
On Wednesday the 22nd of January 2025, disturbing videos emerged on social media showing a violent confrontation between Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments management and employee Kholwani Dube.
Following the release of the videos, the company issued a statement giving its own version of what happened.
Later, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a public statement confirming the violent incident, dated 23 of January 2025.
To provide a balanced perspective, we are conducting a detailed analysis of the publicly available information regarding the incident between Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments and employee Kholwani Dube, as only one side of the story has been reported so far.
We analyzed the incident by compiling multiple short videos and applying a fusion model that combines speech and visual features.
This comprehensive approach provides a coherent and accurate understanding of events.
Wage dispute gone wrong?
The videos series reveals a heated exchange between the employee, Kholwani Dube, and his employer, Mr. Lui Haifeng.
Dube repeatedly demands his unpaid wages, shouting “I want my money, shoot me!” Mr. Haifeng responds aggressively, telling him to “shut up.”
This exchange suggests a long-standing conflict fueled by the employer’s failure to pay Dube’s wages, causing significant frustration and distress.
Notably, Dube’s plea to “shoot me” appears to be a response to Mr. Haifeng’s words or actions, implying a perceived threat to his life.
This call to ‘shoot me’ by Mr Dube indicates that he was responding to words and/or actions of Mr Haifeng indicating an intention to shoot him.
At this stage we clearly observe the cause of the conflict – nonpayment of wages. This sharply contradicts the Statement released by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments which claimed that Dube “…was observed repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors on a construction site.” The company statement fails to give background information leading to the unusual behaviour by Dube.
Be that as it may, there was still room to de-escalate the conflict by persuading Dube to disembark from the excavator and come for dialogue.
Armed with a pistol, the employer took aim at Dube, who at one time had to protect himself from the shots being fired with the excavator bucket.
The employer is seen moving to both sides of the excavator bucket as he continues to point his pistol at Dube.
According to an audio recorded by an eyewitness circulating on social media, Mr Haifeng fired 6 shots at Dube.
The witness stresses that Mr. Haifeng fired live ammunition at Dube, but this claim cannot be corroborated through the videos.
From the beginning, our conflict analysis reveals the root cause: non-payment of wages, contradicting the company’s statement that Dube disregarded instructions.
The employer, armed with a pistol, escalated the situation, firing shots at Dube, who used the excavator bucket for protection.
Dube could be seen rotating the excavator cab 360 degrees and at one time stretching the bucket teeth without reaching the employer.
At no point did he move the excavator towards the employer, even an inch. This is very important in determining who was the aggressor between the two. 
At least we should have seen Dube driving the excavator towards Haifeng, chasing him and threatening to overrun him. But instead, it is Haifeng who is seeing trying to find an angle to fire at Dube.
All video evidence available contradicts the statement by the company which claims “Dube even attempted to run over the Manager Liu Haifeng with the excavator…”
On the contrary, it is Mr Haifeng who tried unsuccessfully to take Dube’s life. According to an audio recorded by an eyewitness, Dube used the excavator bucket teeth to defend himself from shots fired by Haifeng.
The company statement claims “Mr Liu Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, considering all firearm handling and safety procedures.”
Again, this is refuted by the evidence at hand which clearly shows Haifeng pointing his gun towards Dube.
What could the employer have done?
If Dube was a threat, then he was a danger to himself than to any other person. He was clearly unstable and frustrated as demonstrated by his shouts for his money and daring the employer to shoot him.
The employer was supposed to call the Zimbabwe Republic Police and temporarily vacate the scene until Police arrives.
In the interim Dube’s workmates, with whom he supposedly had no qualms, could have been asked to try and restrain him.
Someone not involved in the confrontation could have played a mediatory role in the interim as they awaited the Police to arrive.
Further, a proper company purporting to be a good corporate citizen must have trained security personnel on the ground.
The moment Dube started behaving abnormally the matter must have been immediately handed over to company security.
However, we see the company executives engaging in violent confrontation with Dube, including discharging a firearm, which was an apparent attempt at Dube’s life.
Taking the law into their hands?
The video ends with Dube being violently tied with what looked like a wire, and a gun pointed to his head. A Chinese national is profusely bleeding on the leg from an alleged knife attack by Dube.
The moment of the knife attack is not captured on videos circulating in the public domain. A lot of action is lost between Dube’s disembarkation from the excavator and capture by the Chinese nationals. 
There seems to have been a major escalation leading to the knife attack. In the absence of video evidence, it is not possible to judge whether the knife attack was an act of aggression or self-defense on the part of Dube.
Nevertheless, as Dube lay face down, tied hands and legs, two people are heard discussing the knife attack.
The two Zimbabweans are first heard complaining that “asungwa zvisiri right” with the other concurring “asungwa zvisina kunaka” meaning Dube was tied in a very inhuman and cruel manner.
One then asks “ko uyu anga aitawo sei nhai” meaning what had this one done which resulted in him being stabbed.
The other replied, anga achida kumurwisaka, aine pfuti, atombopfura 3 shots” meaning he wanted to attack him with a gun, in fact he fired 3 shots at Dube.
However, it is clear from the video that the Chinese nationals were using disproportionate force in tying Dube, including the inappropriate use of the gun.
The manner in which he was tied did not allow any movement of his body. It was a clear act of torture as confirmed by his workmates in the audio.
By this time Dube had been disarmed of the knife hence he paused minimum danger to anyone.
An isolated incident?
This is not an isolated incident. There is a growing public anger regarding the ill treatment of Zimbabweans by Chinese nationals.
In a Police memo issued yesterday on the Gweru incident, Police also reported that Mthahandazo Sibanda (20) was shot with a 9mm Derya pistol by a Chinese national whilst allegedly stealing gold ore at Binyup Mine 5 in Filabusi on the 20th of January 2025. 
In 2024, CNRG reported the shooting of Emmanuel Geje in Shurugwi by a Chinese national for allegedly trespassing at a gold mine.
The shooting of Zimbabweans by Chinese nationals has become a national security threat that cannot be ignored anymore.
What must the government of Zimbabwe do?
The first and most important response to the Gweru incident is to investigate whether Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments is properly registered to operate in Zimbabwe.
If the answer is yes, there is also needed to investigate whether the company is complying with all its statutory and regulatory requirements such as paying monthly dues to NSSA.
Further, since this is apparently a labour dispute, the Ministry of Labor ought to investigate the labour practices of Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, i.e. whether all workers are on contract, wages meet the national standards stipulated by the relevant act and regulations and safety and health standards of the company.
The next phase is to broaden the inquiry. The Government sets the tone of how investors ought to behave and treat Zimbabwean citizens.
Improving the ease of doing business is not the same as tolerating aggression against citizens and suspension of the rule of law.
Government needs to be vocal in reading the rules to investors and abandon the affirmative action toward China whereby Chinese nationals enjoy special treatment from authorities whilst they are brutalizing citizens.
There is also need for a clear database of Chinese investments in Zimbabwe, giving their names, shareholders and areas of operation. This information should be available online and be accessible with the click of a button.
Government must also screen Chinese nationals intending to do business in Zimbabwe. There are several Chinese entities operating illegally in Zimbabwe.
This information is also available in parliamentary reports and Hansard. There is no self-respecting country that allows foreign nationals to come in and operate without authorization. There must be severe consequences for operating in Zimbabwe illegally.
Farai Maguwu a Zimbabwean human rights activist, social and political commentator, writes in his personal capacity. He is the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), a leading organization working on improved governance of natural resources in Zimbabwe.

The article talks about a violent incident between a Chinese company and a Zimbabwean worker over unpaid wages. The worker demanded his money and the employer pointed a gun at him, firing shots. The worker used an excavator bucket to protect himself. Later, the worker was tied up in a cruel manner. This is not the first incident involving Chinese nationals hurting Zimbabweans. The government needs to investigate the company's operations and ensure Chinese investors follow the rules. They should also have a database of Chinese investments and screen Chinese nationals coming to Zimbabwe. The government must protect its citizens and hold those who break the law accountable.

An Analysis Of The Gweru Shooting Incident

A Chinese national has been arrested for shooting a Zimbabwean man, Mthahandazo Sibanda (20), in Filabusi on 22 January 2025.
The suspect, whose name was not released by police, allegedly shot Sibanda with a 9 mm Derya Pistol for stealing gold dump at Binyup 5 Mine.
This incident occurred a day after another Chinese national pointed a firearm at a Zimbabwean employee demanding unpaid wages in Lower Gweru.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed both incidents and the arrests of the Chinese nationals involved.
Regarding the Binyup 5 Mine shooting, Nyathi said more details will be released as investigations progress.

A Chinese person got arrested for shooting a Zimbabwean man. The Chinese person thought the man stole gold from a mine. Another Chinese person also threatened a Zimbabwean worker for not paying them. The police in Zimbabwe confirmed both incidents and arrested the Chinese people. They are still investigating the shooting at the mine.

Chinese National Arrested For Shooting Zimbabwean In Filabusi

Police have launched an investigation into a violent incident involving a Chinese national and a local man at Bijour Farm, Lower Gweru, on 21 January.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Paul Nyathi identified the Zimbabwean national as Kholwani Dube (38) but did not reveal the Chinese national’s identity. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an assault and pointing of a firearm incident which occurred at Bijour Farm, Lower Gweru, Midlands Province on 21st January 2025.
Kholwani Dube (38) stabbed a Chinese national with an okapi knife on the leg after a labour dispute while the Chinese national pointed a firearm at Khowani Dube.
Both the Zimbabwean national and Chinese national are facing criminal charges.
</blockquote>
Videos on social media show a man, believed to be Dube, shouting, “I want my money! I want my money!” before the situation escalates. Reports say Dube was owed $600 in unpaid wages by his Chinese employers.
Dube is an excavator operator for Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, a Chinese-owned company.
The video shows at least three Chinese nationals over Dube, with one kneeling on his back and pointing a gun at his head. The others were restraining him.
There was a lot of blood on the ground, but it was unclear who was bleeding.
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments released a statement on 21 January claiming that Dube disregarded instructions, took an excavator without authorisation, and threatened supervisors by trying to run them over. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
In the morning hours, Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator employed at Bijou Farm in Gweru, was observed repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors on a construction site.
In accordance with company policies and Zimbabwean Labour Laws, Mr. Dube was warned and subsequently suspended from his duties pending a formal investigation into the matter.
At approximately 16:00 on the same day, it was reported that Mr. Dube robbed the keys to excavator (Equipment No. 28) from the other driver and drove the vehicle towards supervisors Mr. Hu and Mr. Chen, exhibiting behaviour that posed a serious threat.
Despite their efforts to intervene safely, Mr. Dube’s actions necessitated immediate reporting to the Farm Manager, Mr. Liu Haifeng, and his deputy, Mr. Huo Haopeng.
Dube even attempted to run over the manager LIU Haifeng with the excavator all this while putting other employees and assets at risk.
Farm manager fired a warning shot into the sky, taking into account all firearm handling and safety procedures and without harming anyone.
During the skirmish, Deputy farm manager HUO Haopeng contacted the police at Gweru Rural Police Station who were unfortunately unable to respond immediately due to transport challenges. 
Dube then suddenly attacked LIU Haifeng who then defended himself out of instinct, grabbing the driver by the collar. The two were embroiled in a fistfight in which five other employees broke up.
It was during the fistfight that Dube stabbed and seriously injured LIU Haifeng on his left leg. Fellow employees disarmed Dube.
LIU Haifeng was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, while other employees took the driver to the police.
Dube was not injured in the process and is currently in police custody. No other employees were injured.
We also regret to state that some publications rushed to publish inaccurate versions of the incident in what appears to be yet another attack on Chinese investors in Zimbabwe using false information.
We also take this opportunity to urge the media to verify facts and report accurately without bias.
Our company is a law-abiding company and remains committed to best labour and business practices which employ legal conflict resolution strategies.
We are also committed to being a part of building Zimbabwe in the productive sectors and creating employment for thousands of Zimbabweans.
</blockquote>

A Chinese national and a Zimbabwean man got into a fight at a farm in Lower Gweru. The Zimbabwean man, Kholwani Dube, stabbed the Chinese man with a knife during a dispute over unpaid wages. The Chinese man pointed a gun at Dube during the fight. Dube works for a Chinese company called Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments. The company claims that Dube was causing trouble and tried to run his supervisors over with an excavator. The Chinese man was injured, and Dube is now in police custody. The company says some news reports about the incident are wrong and they follow the law.

Chinese National Stabbed In Lower Gweru

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has banned two Chinese mining companies suspected of causing environmental damage through their alluvial mining activities along the Sanyati River.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034525/govt-whips-errant-chinese-miners">NewsDay,</a> one of the companies was operating on the Hurungwe side, while the other had started clearing land on the Kariba rural side.
Both companies were reportedly using heavy equipment, including an excavator and water pump, among other machinery.
Mashonaland West EMA provincial spokesperson Munyaradzi Nhariswa said one of the companies, Riverlion (Pvt) Ltd, was sanctioned for excavating and modifying the river channel. He said:
Indeed, two companies were identified: Riverlion (Pvt) Ltd situated on the Hurungwe side and Baimei Investments located on the Nyaminyami side.
<blockquote>
Riverlion (Pvt) Ltd was engaged in riverbed mining activities along the Sanyati River, with open workings and a wash plant within the river.
The company was sanctioned for excavating and modifying the river channel as defined in the Environmental Management Act [Cap 20:27] as read with Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007, as well as storage and usage of hazardous substances without the required licence from the agency as required in terms of Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018.
</blockquote>
Baimei Investments was sanctioned for implementing a prescribed project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate. Said Nhariswa:
<blockquote>
The company was sanctioned for implementing a prescribed project without an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate as required in terms of the Environmental Management Act [Cap 20:27].
Both companies were served with environmental protection orders directing them to cease all mining activities immediately and relocate their equipment 500 metres away from the Sanyati River.
The order directed them to only recommence operations once they obtain the necessary licences.
</blockquote>
The companies had tampered with riverbeds as defined in EMA regulations which attracts “a fine not exceeding level 14 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Environmental Agency banned two Chinese mining companies for damaging Sanyati River. They used heavy equipment without licenses. The companies must stop mining and move equipment away from the river. They need to get the right licenses before they can start mining again. It's against the law to damage the river like they did. The companies could face fines or jail time.

EMA Bans Two Chinese Companies Over Damage To Sanyati River

Cai Yulong, a Chinese national operating Stone Steel Blue Mine in Zhombe, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of one miner, the injury of another, and assaulting yet another individual.
On Wednesday, September 18, the National Prosecuting Authority reported that Cai was arraigned before the High Court sitting at Gokwe, where he was charged with three offences: murder, attempted murder, and assault. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
On the 26th of May 2024 the deceased and his workmates, employed by Black Hand 10 Mine were on duty, underground constructing a barricade at an area where their mine meets that of the accused.
As they were working, the accused person approached and fired gunshots at them. They fled the scene towards the exit point and the accused person pursued them.
The accused person shot the now deceased in the thigh who died as a result of the gunshot wound.
He also shot one of the deceased’s workmates in the knee and thigh before proceeding to assault the other on the head using his fists.
A Police report was made leading to the arrest of the accused person.
He was convicted and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for murder. He was sentenced to a further 5 years imprisonment for attempted murder. 
Both sentences will run concurrently. He was also sentenced to a fine of US$100 for assault, in default, 1 month imprisonment.
</blockquote>
In a report in June 2024, the NPA said Cai (58), shot and killed a man from Chief Njelele in Gokwe and injured his colleague after they encroached into his mine in Zhombe.
It said Cai, from Stone Still Mine 10, Marandure Farm, Zhombe appeared before the Kwekwe Magistrates’ court facing one count of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault. The NPA said at the time:
<blockquote>
On the 26th of May 2024 Goni Goni (23), Komborerai Shariwa (24), John Muchawaya (34) and Lovemore Mapfanya (20) all of Village Tirivanhu, Chief Njelele, Gokwe were working underground at Blackhand 10 Mine, Zhombe, Kwekwe.
The four encroached into another shaft at Blue Belle Mine, Zhombe which is owned by the accused person.
Allegations are that the accused person who was armed with a pistol approached them and shot Goni Goni once in the left thigh. He died on the spot.
He is also alleged to have shot John Muchawaya thrice: once on the left knee, once on the right ankle and once on the left thigh.
Muchawaya sustained three gunshot wounds and he is currently admitted at Kwekwe General Hospital.
Further allegations are that the accused person hit Lovemore Mapfanya once on the head with a fist.
Mapfanya fled from the scene and filed a Police report leading to the arrest of the accused person.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Chinese man named Cai Yulong has been sentenced to 30 years in jail for killing a man and injuring others in a mine in Gokwe, Zimbabwe. Cai shot at the miners and chased after them, killing one and injuring others. He was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and assault. Cai's sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will happen at the same time. The incident happened in May 2024, and Cai was arrested soon after. He was charged, convicted, and sentenced for his crimes.

Chinese Miner Sentenced To 30 Years In Jail For Killing Gokwe Man

Police have identified the Chinese national who was recently filmed allegedly torturing Zimbabwean workers at the Makanga Mine in Bindura, Mashonaland Central Province.
The disturbing video footage showed the Chinese manager at the mine tying up the Zimbabwean workers and suspending them in the air using a frontend loader.
The Chinese national is then said to have whipped the workers, accusing them of stealing an unspecified amount of diesel from the mine.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 17 July, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), confirmed that both the suspects and the complainants have been identified, and a thorough investigation is now underway to establish the full details of what transpired. Police said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to a video which went viral on social media platforms depicting two handcuffed complainants being lifted by a frontend loader at the instigation of two suspects at Makanga Mine, Hereford Farm, Bindura.
The ZRP confirms that the suspects and complainants have been identified in connection with the incident which occurred on 13/07/24. Investigations are in progress.
</blockquote>
In the wake of the disturbing incident at the Makanga Mine, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), which represents miners across the country, has strongly condemned the alleged actions of the Chinese national.
The ZMF described the incident as “appalling, vile, inhumane and savage” and has called for the immediate arrest of the Chinese manager.
This incident has further reinforced a common perception among many ordinary Zimbabweans that the Chinese nationals operating in the country are often perceived to be above the law.
There is a widespread belief that the Chinese can violate the laws of Zimbabwe and infringe on the human rights of the local population with impunity.
Over the years, there have been recurring reports of Zimbabwean workers facing abuse at the hands of their Chinese employers, often with little consequence.
In one recent incident in May 2024, a 58-year-old Chinese miner named Cai Yulong allegedly shot and killed a man from Chief Njelele in Gokwe after the victim and his colleague encroached into Cai’s mining claim in Zhombe, Midlands Province. Cai also reportedly injured the victim’s colleague during the incident.
Just last month, a 51-year-old Chinese national was arraigned before the Gweru Magistrates’ Court on allegations of raping and impregnating a 17-year-old local girl.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Chinese manager was filmed torturing workers at a Zimbabwean mine. The video shows workers being tied up and suspended in the air, then whipped for allegedly stealing diesel. Police have identified the suspects and victims, and an investigation is ongoing. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation strongly condemns the actions of the Chinese national and calls for their immediate arrest. This incident highlights a belief that Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe often get away with breaking the law and mistreating locals. Similar incidents of abuse by Chinese employers have been reported in the past.

Zimbabwe Police Identify Chinese National Accused Of Torturing Local Mine Workers

A 58-year-old Chinese miner, Cai Yulong, shot and killed a man from Chief Njelele in Gokwe and injured his colleague after they encroached into his mine in Zhombe, also in Midlands Province.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Cai, from Stone Still Mine 10, Marandure Farm, Zhombe appeared before the Kwekwe Magistrates’ court facing one count of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
On the 26th of May 2024 Goni Goni (23), Komborerai Shariwa (24), John Muchawaya (34) and Lovemore Mapfanya (20) all of Village Tirivanhu, Chief Njelele, Gokwe were working underground at Blackhand 10 Mine, Zhombe, Kwekwe.
The four encroached into another shaft at Blue Belle Mine, Zhombe which is owned by the accused person.
Allegations are that the accused person who was armed with a pistol approached them and shot Goni Goni once in the left thigh. He died on the spot.
He is also alleged to have shot John Muchawaya thrice: once on the left knee, once on the right ankle and once on the left thigh.
Muchawaya sustained three gunshot wounds and he is currently admitted at Kwekwe General Hospital.
Further allegations are that the accused person hit Lovemore Mapfanya once on the head with a fist.
Mapfanya fled from the scene and filed a Police report leading to the arrest of the accused person.
</blockquote>
Cai was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on 11 June 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Miner Kills Gokwe Man, Injures Another In Zhombe

A Chinese head of security at Bunyip Gold Mine in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, opened fire on a dozen illegal miners who entered the mine and allegedly stole two sacks of gold ore.
Four of the illegal miners were injured in the shooting which occurred on April 14, 2024.
Two of the injured illegal miners have been admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo.
One of the miners who was shot in the shoulder had to undergo a chest drain, a procedure in which a narrow tube is inserted between the ribs to sit in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This is done to prevent the backflow of fluid from the tubing into the chest cavity.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/chinese-mine-security-head-shoots-four-illegal-miners-in-filabusi/">CITE</a> reported sources sources as saying the Chinese worker shot at the illegal miners with live ammunition, accusing them of illegally prospecting for gold in the mine. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Police recovered 13 rounds of live ammunition but have not arrested the miner as they were engaged in talks with the Chinese embassy.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told CITE they were still investigating the case to determine what happened. He said:
<blockquote>
Some illegal gold miners are said to have cut the fence and entered the mine through the breather, taking some gold ore in about two sacks in the process, leading to a scuffle.
Then the head of security reacted and fired some shots, but the illegal miners did not comply. The head of security then shot at four of the illegal miners who sustained injuries while the others fled.
</blockquote>
Asked if the Chinese worker would be arrested, Nyathi said the mine was formally registered but the illegal miners committed a criminal act. He said:
<blockquote>
There are two aspects to this case: the criminal act by the miners and the shooting incident. This is a registered mine with a valid certificate of operations and permits.
</blockquote>
Nyathi said the 12 illegal miners, armed with machetes and other weapons, returned to the mine to attack the security officers and take away gold ore.
He said Police are conducting investigations, and will issue a detailed statement in due course.
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Chinese Mine Security Head Opens Fire On Illegal Miners In Filabusi

ZANU PF has cancelled the suspension and prohibition on Mashonaland West provincial youth league chairman, Tapiwa Masenda, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/masendas-suspension-uplifted/">reported The Herald</a>.
ZANU PF national secretary for security Lovemore Matuke is expected to deploy a team to conduct investigations.
Masenda was suspended by the provincial executive committee (PEC) together with the provincial secretary for administration, Rudo Munyonga recently following several allegations of misconduct levelled against him.
He was barred from calling, officiating and addressing any meetings and entering party offices.
The cancellation of Masenda’s suspension will see him continue conducting his duties until the outcome of the investigations.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-mash-west-youth-boss-in-soup-beating-up-on-chinese-miner/">a report by NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Masenda allegedly assaulted a Chinese miner following a mining dispute at a gold-rich mine in Mhangura.
A Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held in Chinhoyi at the weekend chaired by ZANU PF provincial chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, resolved to suspend Masenda.

ZANU PF Revokes Suspension Of Official Who Assaulted Chinese Miner

ZANU PF Mashonaland West Province has resolved to suspend its Youth League chairman, Tapiwa Masenda, for allegedly assaulting a Chinese miner, leaving him badly bruised.
The assault reportedly followed a mining dispute at a gold-rich mine in Mhangura.
A Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held in Chinhoyi at the weekend chaired by ZANU PF provincial chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, resolved to suspend Masenda.
In a statement, ZANU PF provincial secretary for publicity and information, Godknows Murambiwa said Masenda will undergo a disciplinary hearing. Said Murambiwa:
<blockquote>
Cde Tapiwa Masenda, Mashonaland West Youth League provincial Chairman has been issued with a Prohibition Order following several allegations of misconduct levelled against him.
His actions as described by the provincial secretary for security do not have a place in ZANU PF under the new dispensation.
The Provincial Executive Committee invoked powers invested and provided for by the party Constitution under Article 21 Cde Masenda will be going through a disciplinary hearing within 14 days.
We appeal for peace and tranquillity to prevail throughout the province to ensure an unbiased and justified process during and after the hearing period which should be within 14 days.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-mash-west-youth-boss-in-soup-beating-up-on-chinese-miner/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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