The recent video of a Chinese national allegedly torturing Zimbabwean workers at the Makanga Mine has sent shockwaves through the nation, igniting widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns about the treatment of local workers by Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe.
The disturbing footage, which went viral on social media platforms, shows the Chinese manager at the mine, tying up two Zimbabwean workers and suspending them in the air using a front-end loader. The workers are then seen being whipped while accusations of diesel theft are hurled at them.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that both the suspects and the complainants have been identified and a thorough investigation is underway to establish the full details of the incident, which occurred on 13 July 2024.
“Reference is made to a video which went viral on social media platforms depicting two handcuffed complainants being lifted by a frontend loader at the instigation of two suspects at Makanga Mine, Hereford Farm, Bindura. The ZRP confirms that the suspects and complainants have been identified in connection with the incident which occurred on July 13, 2024. Investigations are in progress,” reads the police statement.
This incident has sparked outrage across the country, with many Zimbabweans expressing their disgust and demanding justice for the victims. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), which represents miners across the country, has condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as “appalling, vile, inhumane and savage”.
“This is not the first time that we have witnessed such barbaric behaviour from Chinese nationals operating in our country,” said a ZMF official. “We demand that the authorities take immediate action and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident is a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and oversight of Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe.”
The incident has also reignited a long-standing debate about the perceived impunity enjoyed by Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. Many Zimbabweans believe that Chinese nationals are often above the law and can violate the laws of the country and infringe on the human rights of the local population with impunity.
This perception is not unfounded. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of Zimbabwean workers facing abuse at the hands of their Chinese employers, often with little consequence.
In May 2024, a 58-year-old Chinese miner named Cai Yulong allegedly shot and killed a man from Chief Njelele in Gokwe after the victim and his colleague encroached into Cai’s mining claim in Zhombe, Midlands Province. Cai also reportedly injured the victim’s colleague during the incident.
Just last month, a 51-year-old Chinese national was arraigned before the Gweru Magistrates’ Court on allegations of raping and impregnating a 17-year-old local girl.
The Makanga Mine incident has brought these concerns to the forefront once again. It has highlighted the need for the Zimbabwean government to take decisive action to address the issue of Chinese nationals operating in the country with impunity.
Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, with the perpetrators facing the full force of the law. They also demand that the government implement stricter regulations to ensure that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe adhere to local laws and respect the human rights of Zimbabwean workers.
