A tragic accident at Sino Africa Huijin Holdings Gold Mine in Old Mutare has sparked outrage after the family of Taurai Dozva, a 39-year-old mine worker, was allegedly forced to accept inadequate compensation for his death.
Dozva was killed on 10 January 2025 while working as a spotter, directing the movement of heavy mining vehicles. A 40-tonne tipper truck struck him, crushing him fatally. His employer provided $3,500 for burial costs and then offered $2,000 as final compensation to his grieving family.
“Coerced to Accept Compensation”
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) issued a statement condemning the company’s actions.
“After initially providing $3,500 for burial expenses, they then offered a mere $2,000 as compensation to his grieving family,” CNRG said. “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 further highlighted the tragic impact on Dozva’s family, including his wife, Modester Samunda, and their three children. The youngest 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.”
CNRG has called on the mining company to offer fair compensation, arguing that $20,000 would be more appropriate.
“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 labour practices, and accountability measures,” the organisation stated.
The group also criticised the government’s failure to act on a previous 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 said.
CNRG has urged the public, civil society, and relevant authorities to demand justice.
“We stand in solidarity with Taurai Dozva’s family and call for proper compensation,” the statement concluded.