Chinese companies facing human rights violation allegations in Zimbabwe

The recent incident of ill-treating by the Chinese mine owner has once again exposed the exploitation of locals and unethical practices adopted by Chinese employers in the African nation, reported Africa Daily as quoted by ANI.

It is not only ill-treatment but the Chinese investors usually accuse local workers of stealing and verbally and physically abusing them and blatantly violating laws.

The Centre for Research and Development (CRD), a Manicaland-based natural resources governance organisation, stated that Chinese mining operations in Odzi were blatantly violating laws that regulate health and safety issues, ANI reported.

Recently a Chinese-run gold mining company operating in the Odzi peri-urban area of Mutare district, Zimbabwe has been accused of ill-treating workers and flouting the country's labour laws and regulations, reported Africa Daily as quoted by ANI.

Notably, the Chinese company registered as Odzi Resources Zimbabwe Private Limited runs a number of gold mines across the country, including in Mashava, Mbalabala, Bulawayo, Kwekwe and Mazowe.

In another incident, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) appealed (September 19) to the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe to intervene and ensure Chinese investors comply with the laws of the country.

China has funded and provided loans for many infrastructure projects across Africa in recent years, including the new parliament in Zimbabwe.

Chinese investments have increased over time in African countries mainly to exploit their natural resources to cater to the raw material requirements of their industries.

But it pays little attention to social and environmental impacts in the host countries, reported Africa Daily.

Tatenda Chikwanha, a former worker claimed ill-treatment of workers at the Odzi mine by the Chinese employer, who was recently fired after speaking out against the rampant abuse.

He added that workers were not provided with protective wear, decent meals and accommodation while on duty. Fearing victimisation many workers also could not spell the problems of poor working conditions to the authorities, reported Africa Daily.