Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya has raised alarm over the increasing reports of violence, exploitation, and mistreatment of small-scale miners by some Chinese investors, warning that continued abuses could spark unrest within the gold mining sector.
Speaking during the Mine Entra exhibition held in Bulawayo last week, Rushwaya said the situation had become intolerable, accusing certain Chinese nationals of physically harming and oppressing local miners.
“As small-scale miners, we are not happy with the way some foreigners, particularly the Chinese, are treating our people,” Rushwaya said. “Zimbabweans are being killed and abused in cold blood. This cannot be allowed to continue. We are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, but we will not stand by while our people suffer on their own soil.”
Rushwaya cautioned that frustration was growing among miners, adding that the government’s silence could lead to serious backlash.
“We do not want a revolution to come from the small-scale mining community, especially where foreign investors are concerned,” she warned. “Those working out in the bush understand how volatile things could become if these abuses persist.”
Despite the tensions, Rushwaya said miners remain focused on production, revealing that gold deliveries had reached 33 tonnes by the end of September — a sign of resilience and continued contribution to the national economy.
Relations between local miners and Chinese investors have been strained in recent years, with numerous reports of assaults, forced labour, and poor working conditions.
The Chinese Embassy in Harare, acknowledging growing public concern, recently issued an advisory urging its nationals operating in Zimbabwe to respect local laws and communities.
The embassy statement called on Chinese businesses to “build trust through responsible community engagement and environmental management,” stressing the need for fair labour practices and compliance with environmental regulations.
“Corporate social responsibility should be viewed as a vital part of doing business in Zimbabwe,” the embassy said, adding that such actions would “foster mutual understanding and strengthen community relations.”
While the government has repeatedly promised to increase oversight of foreign investment, enforcement has remained weak.
During the Zanu PF Annual Conference last Saturday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa did not mention the Chinese specifically but emphasized that all investors must comply with Zimbabwean laws.
“We welcome investors, but they must adhere to our Constitution, laws, and cultural values,” Mnangagwa said. “Respect for our people and our customs is non-negotiable.”
Chinese mining operations have also come under fire for environmental degradation, particularly in areas such as Mutoko, where villagers accuse companies of damaging homes, destroying farmland, and polluting rivers. Many residents say they have seen little to no benefit from these mining ventures.
Violence within the sector is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, two Zimbabwean mine workers were allegedly shot and wounded by a Chinese employer following a dispute over unpaid wages — an incident that drew widespread condemnation and reignited debate over foreign investor conduct.
Rushwaya and the ZMF have urged authorities to act decisively to protect local miners and restore peace within the sector.
“Small-scale miners are bleeding inside,” Rushwaya said. “We need accountability — from both government officials and foreign investors — to ensure our people work in fair, safe, and dignified conditions.”
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