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Villager shot at Sino Africa Huijin mine
2 hrs ago |
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A villager was shot at the Chinese-run Sino Africa Huijin Mine in what marks the third reported shooting incident at the site in five years, according to the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG).
The watchdog group says the mine, operated by a Chinese syndicate, is allegedly continuing operations despite claims that its mining permit expired and was not renewed by authorities.
CNRG reported that the latest incident involved an unarmed miner who was allegedly shot after failing to pay a US$10 access fee charged to locals conducting artisanal mining activities at the site.
"The victim… was allegedly shot from the back, strongly suggesting that he was fleeing and posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting," the organisation said.
The miner survived but sustained serious injuries, CNRG added, noting that this is the third such shooting reported at the mine in recent years.
The organisation warned against the use of excessive force and called for due process in dealing with unarmed civilians.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying it was being treated as a case of self-defence after security guards allegedly fired warning shots to disperse suspected intruders.
Reports from the area also allege growing tensions between artisanal miners and security personnel stationed at the mine, with accusations of bribery, extortion and abuse of power.
Community members claim miners are sometimes allowed access only after paying fees, reportedly around US$10, while those who refuse are allegedly assaulted or chased away. In more extreme cases, extortion demands are said to reach thousands of dollars.
There are also allegations of collusion between some miners and security staff, further complicating oversight and enforcement at the site.
CNRG says the situation reflects escalating conflict in mining areas where weak regulation and alleged corruption are fuelling violence and exploitation, particularly against local youth.
The organisation has called for accountability and stricter enforcement of mining regulations to prevent further harm.
The watchdog group says the mine, operated by a Chinese syndicate, is allegedly continuing operations despite claims that its mining permit expired and was not renewed by authorities.
CNRG reported that the latest incident involved an unarmed miner who was allegedly shot after failing to pay a US$10 access fee charged to locals conducting artisanal mining activities at the site.
"The victim… was allegedly shot from the back, strongly suggesting that he was fleeing and posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting," the organisation said.
The miner survived but sustained serious injuries, CNRG added, noting that this is the third such shooting reported at the mine in recent years.
The organisation warned against the use of excessive force and called for due process in dealing with unarmed civilians.
Reports from the area also allege growing tensions between artisanal miners and security personnel stationed at the mine, with accusations of bribery, extortion and abuse of power.
Community members claim miners are sometimes allowed access only after paying fees, reportedly around US$10, while those who refuse are allegedly assaulted or chased away. In more extreme cases, extortion demands are said to reach thousands of dollars.
There are also allegations of collusion between some miners and security staff, further complicating oversight and enforcement at the site.
CNRG says the situation reflects escalating conflict in mining areas where weak regulation and alleged corruption are fuelling violence and exploitation, particularly against local youth.
The organisation has called for accountability and stricter enforcement of mining regulations to prevent further harm.
Source - The Herald
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