A wave of public anger has erupted in Zimbabwe after revelations that a Chinese-owned mining company, China Zhuhe Mining quietly paid US$6,500 in compensation to the family of a local man who was fatally shot by one of its employees — despite publicly branding the victim a “gangster.”
The incident took place in the early hours of 9 October 2025 at China Zhuhe Mining in Makosa, Mutoko, and has reignited public debate over alleged abuse and violence by foreign-owned mining companies operating in the country.
Fatal Shooting at China Zhuhe Mining
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Fungai Nhau (36) was shot dead around 2 AM by Quijun Yu (43), a Chinese national employed at the mine. ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Yu’s arrest, saying investigations were ongoing.
“The ZRP is investigating the circumstances in which a foreign national, Quijun Yu, shot Fungai Nhau at a mine in Makosa. The suspect is in custody, and the police will release more details in due course,” said Nyathi.
In its statement, China Zhuhe Mining alleged that Nhau was part of a gang attempting to rob the mine and claimed the engineer fired warning shots to protect company property. The company further claimed Nhau was found about a kilometre away from the mine and had “confessed” before dying.
Quiet Compensation Sparks Anger
Despite branding Nhau a criminal, documents obtained by ZiMetro News show that just two days later — on 11 October 2025 — the China Zhuhe Mining signed a compensation agreement with Nhau’s family.
The settlement included:
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15 cattle or US$300 per beast if paid in cash
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US$200 for school fees for Nhau’s three children
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A total payout of US$6,500
The payment has triggered widespread outrage. Many Zimbabweans are questioning the company’s motives, with residents calling the settlement “hush money” rather than justice.
“If he was truly a gangster who tried to rob the mine, why pay his family thousands of dollars?” asked one Mutoko resident.
Broader Tensions Over Chinese-Owned Mines
This killing has amplified long-standing frustrations over alleged exploitation and impunity by Chinese investors in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Former finance minister Tendai Biti condemned the shooting, describing it as part of a larger, unchecked “crime of extraction.”
“Chinese miners continue to exploit, underpay, and brutalize local workers while desecrating our land. The government’s silence is a disgrace — it’s complicity in a new scramble for Africa,” Biti said.
Human rights activist Farai Maguwu warned that national anger is reaching a breaking point.
“The people of Zimbabwe are saying enough of this abuse. We’re witnessing growing resentment against foreign investors who think they can operate above the law.”
Pattern of Abuse
This is not an isolated incident. In recent years, multiple cases have been reported of Chinese mine owners assaulting or shooting local workers during disputes over pay and working conditions. Few of those cases have led to serious consequences.
Labour rights groups argue that the lack of strong government action has emboldened foreign companies to mistreat workers.
“The message being sent is clear — Zimbabwean lives are cheap when Chinese money is involved,” said one labour advocate.
Justice in Question
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has urged citizens to report all cases of violence and abuse, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality.
However, locals in Mutoko remain sceptical, fearing the case could quietly disappear like many others before it.
“They killed him, called him a thief, and then paid off his family. That’s not justice — that’s bribery,” said another villager.
As Zimbabwe deepens its economic ties with Chinese investors, critics say the real test lies in whether justice and accountability will prevail — or whether corporate power will continue to overshadow human rights.
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