By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A tragic accident at Sino Africa Huijin Holdings Gold Mine in Old Mutare has sparked widespread outrage following allegations that the family of deceased miner Taurai Dozva was coerced into accepting inadequate compensation for his death.
Dozva, a 39-year-old employee working as a spotter, was killed on January 10, 2025, after being struck by a 40-tonne tipper truck while directing the movement of heavy mining vehicles.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, his employer provided $3,500 for burial expenses but offered just $2,000 as final compensation for his grieving family.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) issued a statement condemning the company’s actions, stating, “After initially providing $3,500 for burial expenses, they then offered a mere $2,000 as compensation to his grieving family. The mine owners forced the bereaved wife and family representatives to sign a document acknowledging the US$2,000 as sufficient compensation, despite their clear disagreement.”
CNRG emphasized the devastating impact of this loss on Dozva’s family, including his wife, Modester Samunda, and their three children, the youngest of whom is only nine months old.
“This family has been left devastated and without their primary breadwinner. The sum offered is entirely inadequate given that Dozva was the sole provider for his wife and children,” the organization stated.
The CNRG has called for the mining company to provide fair compensation, arguing that $20,000 would more accurately reflect the family’s loss.
“This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect the rights of workers in Zimbabwe’s mining industry. CNRG will continue to advocate for improved safety standards, fair labor practices, and accountability measures,” the organization affirmed.
Additionally, CNRG criticized the government for failing to act on a petition filed in November 2023, which sought oversight on unsafe practices at the mine.
“Had the government acted on the petition, Taurai Dozva would not have died such a cruel death,” CNRG lamented.
The group has called on the public, civil society, and relevant authorities to demand justice.
“We stand in solidarity with Taurai Dozva’s family and call for proper compensation,” concluded the statement.