Chinese, villagers clash over Kalope dam rages on

The case involving five Hwange villagers arrested after protesting against a Chinese mining company's construction of a water pipeline was on Wednesday postponed after key State witnesses failed to appear in court.

Likhwa Nyathi (26), Simangele Singa (40), Definite Munsaka (34), Chetani Mathe (35) and Lynette Zulu (34), all from Diki Village in Hwange, are facing multiple charges arising from protests against Zhongjing Helli Energy Private Limited, a Chinese-owned company drawing water from a community-built dam.

The five appeared before Hwange magistrate Rumbidzai Kabasa-Bhonzo denying charges of contravening the Water Act [Chapter 20:24] by obstructing water works, contravening Section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] relating to disorderly conduct, and contravening Section 77(a) of the same Act, which covers indecent exposure.

They are represented by Linda Ruvarashe Mtombeni of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

The matter was remanded to December 16 after the State failed to produce its key witnesses for the commencement of trial. The accused are out on bail of US$100 each.

The complainant is Zhongjing Helli Energy Private Limited, represented by company supervisor Silvester Munkuli.

According to the State, the incident occurred on October 1 when Munkuli and fellow workers were laying water pipes to draw water from Kalope Dam. It is alleged that Singa confronted the workers at the dam and ordered them to stop welding the pipes, threatening to stone them if they continued.

Police officers were called to the scene, where Nyathi and Singa were arrested. The court heard that after news of the arrests spread, Munsaka and Mathe went to the dam and allegedly threatened to incite other villagers to stone the Zhongjing workers unless the pipe installation was halted. The workers subsequently stopped the project.

Munkuli reported the developments to the police, who returned to the scene and instructed the workers to resume operations. It is alleged that during this time, Nyathi, Singa and Zulu jumped into the trench, removed laid PVC pipes and blocked the excavator's path along the mainline trench, preventing further excavation.

The State further alleges that police warned the villagers not to interfere with the pipe installation, but they allegedly defied the order, threatened to hurl stones at the officers and incited other villagers, prompting their arrest.

On the indecent exposure charge, the prosecution alleges that Zulu removed her clothes in the presence of police officers, mine workers and other villagers, exposing her bosom.

Jamesina Erica Makanza is prosecuting the matter.

The case adds to growing tensions between local communities and foreign-owned mining companies over access to water and natural resources in parts of Zimbabwe.