The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya has warned that continued violence and mistreatment of small-scale miners by some Chinese nationals could trigger unrest within the gold mining sector.
Speaking during the Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo last week, Rushwaya accused some Chinese investors of killing, abusing, and exploiting local miners, saying the situation had reached alarming levels.
“As small-scale miners, we are not happy with how foreigners, particularly the Chinese, are treating us. Our people are being killed and abused in cold blood,” Rushwaya said. “This is totally unacceptable. We are peace-loving, law-abiding citizens, but we will not allow our fellow miners to be killed on their own soil.”
Rushwaya said the anger among miners was growing, warning that government inaction could provoke a backlash. “We don’t want a revolution to come from the small-scale mining sector, especially when foreigners are concerned,” she said. “Those out in the bush know how unpleasant things could become if these abuses continue unchecked.”
Despite these tensions, Rushwaya said miners had remained committed to productivity. She reported that gold deliveries from both small- and large-scale producers had reached 33 tonnes by the end of September, showing continued effort by local miners to support the economy.
Relations between local and Chinese miners have worsened in recent years following repeated reports of violent clashes, assaults, and labour disputes. The Chinese embassy in Harare has acknowledged the rising concerns and recently issued a rare advisory to its nationals, urging compliance with local laws and community respect.
The embassy encouraged Chinese businesses to “build trust through community and environmental stewardship,” emphasizing fair labour practices and adherence to environmental standards. “Act as a partner in Zimbabwe’s development,” the statement read. “Corporate social responsibility initiatives are strongly encouraged as visible expressions of goodwill. Such proactive efforts foster mutual trust and strengthen community relations.”
While the government has made repeated promises to tighten oversight of foreign investors, enforcement remains weak. Speaking at the Zanu PF annual conference held last Saturday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa avoided directly mentioning the Chinese but emphasized the need for all investors to follow Zimbabwe’s laws. “As we welcome investors in our jurisdiction, we expect that they will adhere to the constitution and laws, while also respecting our people, customs and culture,” he said.
Chinese mining operations have also faced mounting criticism for environmental damage, particularly in areas such as Mutoko, where villagers accuse companies of causing cracked homes, destroyed farmland, and polluted water sources. Residents say they have seen little benefit from mining activities in their communities.
Concerns about violence in the sector are not new. In 2020, two workers were allegedly shot and wounded by a Chinese employer after complaining about unpaid wages, an incident that drew widespread condemnation.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation has urged authorities to urgently address the issue to protect local miners and maintain peace within the sector. Rushwaya said small-scale miners were “bleeding inside” and called for accountability from both the government and foreign investors to ensure fair and safe working conditions.
