Churches demand justice against Chinese mine supervisor

THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the fatal shooting of a Mutoko villager by a Chinese mine security supervisor, condemning the incident as part of a “growing pattern of human rights abuses”.

The call follows the October 9 death of Fungai Nhau, who was allegedly shot and killed by Quijun Yu, a security supervisor for Zhuhe Investments in Mashonaland East province.

Quijun appeared at the Mutoko Magistrates Court last Friday, where he was denied bail and remanded in custody.

A traditional court presided over by Chief Nechombo facilitated a compensation agreement between the mining company and the deceased’s family.

The court ordered Zhuhe Investments to pay 15 cattle, which was settled as a cash equivalent of US$6 500.

However, the compensation deal has been widely criticised by watchdog groups as an inhumane attempt to circumvent the formal justice system.

In a statement, ZCC urged all stakeholders to prioritise human rights and ethical practices.

“We call upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conduct a thorough, impartial and expedited investigation into this matter, leaving no stone unturned,” ZCC said.
“Justice must prevail and those responsible must be held accountable to the full extent of the law, regardless of nationality or position.”

The church body condemned the “use of lethal force and disregard for human life”, adding that “no economic activity should ever be pursued at the cost of human dignity or the sanctity of life.”

ZCC highlighted an “escalating pattern of human rights abuses” in mining operations owned by Chinese investors, citing reports of harassment and unsafe working conditions for Zimbabwean employees.

“These tensions not only erode community trust but also threaten social harmony and the dignity of Zimbabwean citizens,” the statement read.

The council called on the government to ensure commitments made by the Chinese embassy translate to “enforceable obligations on the ground”, and urged all Chinese companies to align their operations with both Zimbabwean law and the highest ethical standards.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Harare has issued a reminder to its citizens to strictly adhere to Zimbabwean legal and regulatory frameworks, as they conduct business.