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The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is calling for the immediate closure of Sino Africa Huijin’s Premier Estate mine in Old Mutare, following the fatal shooting of an artisanal miner, Alfred Dodzo.
By Ryan Chigoche
Dodzo was killed by a security guard after allegedly being caught stealing gold ore from the mine. The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents demanding justice and accountability.
CNRG is urging the government to permanently shut down the mine and ensure accountability for the killing while also addressing ongoing labour and environmental concerns at the operation.
Acting Manicaland Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and stated that authorities were on-site gathering evidence.
In response to Dodzo’s death, around 70 local community members stormed the mine. Enraged, they attacked the security guards, accusing them of taking the law into their own hands. While the guards managed to escape, several were injured.
The mine manager, Daniel Panganai, was not as fortunate. He was pelted with stones and seriously injured. He was rushed to Hartzell Mission Hospital and later transferred to Mutare General Hospital.
CNRG, which visited the scene, highlighted longstanding concerns among workers at Sino Africa Huijin. Workers have repeatedly raised alarms about the mine’s poor living and working conditions. They also allege that the Chinese nationals who own the mine are smuggling gold and failing to declare it to the government, depriving Zimbabwe of critical revenue.
CNRG also pointed to stark segregation at the mine. Zimbabwean workers live in wooden shacks, while Chinese nationals reside in comfortable accommodations within a secure compound. This inequality raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to fairness and equality, especially in light of Zimbabwe’s history of resistance to racial oppression.
Dodzo’s killing reflects a broader, troubling pattern at Chinese-owned mines in Zimbabwe. These companies have faced mounting criticism for violating labour rights, neglecting safety standards, and damaging the environment.
As reported by Mining Zimbabwe, in a separate incident at Sino Africa Huijin, a worker named Taurai Dozva died under mysterious circumstances during a night shift. His family was reportedly given just US$2,000 in compensation—an amount many considered a gross insult to his life and service.
These incidents underscore systemic issues at Chinese-run mines in Zimbabwe, where workers frequently report exploitation, unsafe conditions, and inadequate pay. Many such operations function with minimal oversight, often in violation of labour and environmental laws.
In response, CNRG is calling for the permanent closure of Sino Africa Huijin’s mine.
They propose reopening the site to Zimbabwean artisanal miners to operate under the supervision of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ). This, CNRG argues, would enable local communities to benefit directly from their natural resources while ensuring the government receives the revenue it is due.
CNRG has also called for a thorough investigation into the killing of Alfred Dodzo and demanded that those responsible be prosecuted under Zimbabwean law.
Additionally, the organisation is pressing for a full audit of Sino Africa Huijin’s financial activities, particularly in relation to alleged gold smuggling and other illegal practices.
CNRG is urging the government to take stronger action against companies that exploit workers, flout safety regulations, and engage in illicit activities.
Their ultimate goal is to ensure that Zimbabwe’s natural resources benefit all citizens—not just foreign investors.
