Chinese miner pays US$6 500 for villager's murder

A Chinese mining company, Zhuhe Investments, has paid US$6,500 in compensation to the family of a Mutoko villager who was shot dead by one of its employees last week.

The company's security supervisor, Quijun Yu, allegedly shot and killed Fungai Nhau on October 9 in Mutoko, Mashonaland East province. Quijun appeared at the Mutoko Magistrates Court on Friday, where he was denied bail and remanded in custody.

Following the incident, mine representatives and the deceased's family convened before Chief Nechombo's traditional court, where a compensation deal was reached.

According to an agreement stamped at the chief's court, Zhuhe Investments was ordered to pay 15 cattle as compensation but opted to settle the equivalent amount in cash — US$6,500.

The company was also directed to pay school fees for Nhau's three children, amounting to US$200 each.

"They have agreed that the mine is to compensate 15 live beasts, and if in cash, they will pay US$300 per head. Also, to pay US$200 for school fees for three children. The total amount was US$6,500 and was paid," reads part of the agreement.

A relative of the deceased, Takatadzei Nhau, who signed the document on behalf of the family, confirmed the meeting but declined to discuss the details further.

"Yes, we met the Chinese, but who are you?" she said before hanging up.

When contacted for comment, Chief Nechombo confirmed he was in a meeting and promised to provide more information later.

According to court documents, the fatal shooting occurred around midnight when Quijun, on duty at the mine, spotted Nhau and his friends walking towards a carbon room — an area where gold carbons are stored. Believing they were attempting to steal, he allegedly fired 10 shots at them.

One bullet struck Nhau in the lower left back, and his companions reportedly carried him for about a kilometre before abandoning him by the roadside. His body was later discovered by mine workers the next morning, who alerted police.

Nhau was taken to Mutoko District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The firearm used in the shooting has been recovered and kept as an exhibit.

Quijun is expected to return to court on October 24 for routine remand.

The killing has sparked outrage among local residents and civil society groups, who accuse some Chinese investors of abusing locals and flouting Zimbabwe's laws under the protection of influential political figures.

Human rights advocates have called for a thorough investigation into the shooting and for stronger oversight of foreign mining companies operating in rural communities.