Villagers granted bail after protesting against Chinese miner

FIVE villagers from Whange, Matabeleland North province, have been released on bail after spending two nights in detention following their arrest for allegedly protesting against a Chinese-owned company's extraction of water from a local dam.

The group, comprising four women - Simangele Singa (40), Definite Munsaka (34), Chetani Mathe (35) and Lynette Zulu (34) - and one man, Likwa Nyathi (26), was arrested last Wednesday in Diki village.

They were charged with multiple offences, including obstructing water works under section 118(1)(a) of the Water Act, disorderly conduct under section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and public indecency under section 77(1)(a) of the same law.

Prosecutors told the Hwange Magistrates Court on Friday that the villagers unlawfully blocked Zhongjing Helli Energy workers from laying pipes to extract water from Kalope Dam. The villagers were also accused of threatening to throw stones at the company's employees.

Additionally, prosecutors alleged that Zulu undressed and exposed her bosom during the confrontation.

Represented by Thulani Nkala of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the five were freed on US$100 bail each. They are expected back in court on October 17.

The case has heightened tensions between local communities and foreign investors amid growing disputes over resource use in rural Zimbabwe.