Churches demand justice against Chinese mine supervisor

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to carry out 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 at Zhuhe Investments. Quijun appeared at 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. Zhuhe Investments was ordered to provide 15 cattle, which was settled as a cash equivalent of US$6,500.

However, the compensation arrangement has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups, who described it as an attempt to circumvent the formal justice system.

In a statement, ZCC called on 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. 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 said.

The council 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 Chinese-owned mining operations, citing 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 further called on the government to ensure that commitments made by the Chinese embassy are translated into enforceable obligations, and urged all Chinese companies to align their operations with Zimbabwean law and international ethical standards.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Harare reminded its citizens to strictly adhere to Zimbabwean legal and regulatory frameworks while conducting business.