By Pretty Chavango
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has expressed outraged following the tragic death of Taurai Dozva (39), who was killed in a horrific accident at the Sino Africa Huijin Holdings Gold Mine on January 10, 2025.
Dozva, is said to have been employed by the mine as a mine spotter, also known as a marshal or banksman, this person directs the movement of vehicles and equipment on a mine site and are responsible for ensuring that the work area is safe and that operators are guided through equipment operation.
According to a press statement issued by CNRG, on the night of the accident, Dozva was tragically struck and killed by a fully loaded 40-ton tipper truck. The driver’s account of the incident is difficult to verify, as the deceased was the only other witness.
Details received indicate that the deceased was crushed from his abdomen up to his head, with his body completely mangled by the weight of the truck. CNRG has described the death as preventable, demanding ustice and fair compensation for the deceased’s family.
“The negligence and callous disregard displayed by the Chinese mine owners is utterly unacceptable. After initially providing a meagre US$3,500 to cover burial expenses, they then offered a mere US$2,000 as compensation to his grieving family – a sum that is entirely inadequate given that late Dozva was the sole provider for his wife Modester Samunda and three children.
Furthermore, 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. This coercive action demonstrates a complete disregard for the welfare of Dozva’s dependents”, reads the statement.
CNRG has called on the Sino Africa Huijin Holdings Gold Mine to immediately provide fair and just compensation to the Dozva family based on precedents in the mining sector.
We believe the appropriate compensation should be no less than US$20,000 to support Dozva’s wife and the three orphaned children. The mine must also ensure that all necessary paperwork, including Dozva’s NSSA details and payslips, are provided to the family.”
CNRG notes that the tragic incident highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect the rights of workers in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Taurai Dozva leaves behind his wife, Modester Samunda, and three young children – a daughter who is in Form 1, another in ECD and a 9 month old.