Mutare – The Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) is demanding a full and transparent investigation into the death of Alfred Dzodzo, a Zimbabwean man allegedly shot dead at the Sino Africa Huijin Mine in Premier Estate, Old Mutare.
Dzodzo was reportedly killed on Wednesday night by a security guard who allegedly fired directly at his face without warning, after accusing him of attempting to steal gold.
In a statement released on Thursday, CNRG condemned the killing and highlighted what it described as the company’s blatant disregard for human life.
“We also call for a thorough investigation into the killing of Alfred Dzodzo, with those responsible held accountable under the Zimbabwean law,” reads part of the statement.
The organisation is also calling for a comprehensive audit of Sino Africa Huijin’s financial activities, with particular focus on allegations of gold smuggling and organised crime.
“Additionally, an audit should be carried out on Sino Africa Huijin’s financial activities, particularly its alleged involvement in gold smuggling and organized crime,” their statement reads.
Following Dzodzo’s death, CNRG has urged the Zimbabwean government to shut down the mine, expel the Chinese operators—who are understood to be working without a valid licence—and grant mining rights to local artisanal miners. They argue these miners deserve to benefit from the natural resources in their communities.
“In light of this, CNRG calls on the government to permanently shut down Sino Africa Huijin and open the site to Zimbabwean artisanal miners under the auspices of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe. This will ensure Zimbabwean nationals can benefit from their natural resources whilst also ensure government generate revenues,” part of the statement reads.
The Sino Africa Huijin mine has been operating illegally since its licence expired in 2023, a situation that CNRG claims has continued with the full knowledge of the government, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). This was reportedly confirmed to Parliament two years ago.
Sino Africa Huijin is no stranger to controversy. In January this year, Taurai Dozva died mysteriously while on night duty at the mine. The Chinese offered his family US$2,000 as compensation – a plaster on a gaping wound.
In November 2023, CNRG implored Parliament to shut down the mine due to environmental crimes and exploitative labour practices. The company also reportedly smuggles unprocessed gold out of the country, robbing Zimbabwe of crucial revenue, a financial haemorrhage bleeding the nation dry.
Reports of killings and abusive labour practices by Chinese nationals at Zimbabwean mining sites are rampant, a grim tapestry woven with threads of exploitation.
The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Society (ZELA) and other labour rights activists have condemned these killings.
A violent confrontation at Bijou Farm in Gweru on January 21 further illustrates the tension. A worker demanding unpaid wages clashed with supervisors, igniting outrage on social media and strengthening calls for action against exploitative Chinese investors.
The incident involved Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments.
Beyond its appalling human rights and safety record, Sino Africa Huijin is accused of siphoning gold from Zimbabwe. Workers allege that much of the gold they mine goes undeclared, disappearing into the pockets of the Chinese owners.
The CNRG’s demands reflect growing concerns over the treatment of Zimbabwean workers by Chinese-run mining operations. Critics accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to labour violations and illegal activities, fostering a climate of impunity. The death of Alfred Dzodzo has reignited this debate, prompting renewed calls for government intervention and greater accountability within the mining sector.
