By Staff Reporter

The Chinese Embassy in Harare has issued a rare and candid advisory warning its nationals operating in Zimbabwe to comply with local laws, respect communities, and avoid involvement in disputes or environmentally harmful practices.

The warning comes amid rising tensions over labour and human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese on local workers and their communities.

Titled “Important Notice to Chinese Nationals: A Reminder on Investment and Business Operations in Zimbabwe” —follows a several reported incidents involving Chinese investors accused of assaulting workers, underpayments, non-provision of personal protective equipment, murders, unsafe mining operations, and environmental degradation in rural communities.

The situation reached a crescendo and drew public attention when a local man in Mutoko was shot and killed allegedly by a Chinese security supervisor at Zhuhe Mining Investments.

Ambassador Zhou Ding underlined the embassy’s expectation that every Chinese investor and worker in Zimbabwe must respect the rule of law, resolve disputes through formal legal channels, and adhere to strict firearm regulations.

“Compliance with Zimbabwean laws and regulations is the foundation of all operations,” said Ambassador Zhou. “In the event of criminal incidents such as theft, burglary, or robbery, your immediate priority is to report the incident to the local police without delay.”

The embassy emphasised zero tolerance for illegal possession of firearms, urging that any legally authorised weapons be “managed with the highest level of control and in full compliance with relevant regulations.”

Ambassador Zhou also advised Chinese nationals to remain calm and avoid confrontation in cases where law enforcement cannot respond immediately.

“Act as a partner in Zimbabwe’s development,” Zhou added. “Engage respectfully with local communities, uphold fair labour practices, and demonstrate environmental responsibility.”

Corporate social responsibility, the statement added, should serve as “a visible expression of goodwill.”

Recently, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) slammed the government for turning a blind eye as Chinese investors continue to abuse workers’ rights across sectors.

In his inaugural statement, ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo singled out Sino-Bikita Minerals, describing its treatment of workers as problematic.

“As labour, we are gravely concerned about the alarming escalation of workers’ rights violations in Chinese-run mining operations, particularly at Sino-Bikita Lithium Mine. Reports of workers being beaten, intimidated, and subjected to degrading treatment by both foreign managers and their local accomplices are not only barbaric but outrightly unlawful,” Marimo said.

“The ZCTU calls for the immediate investigation and prosecution of perpetrators under Zimbabwe’s criminal law, including both foreign nationals and local enablers. Labour inspections must be dispatched and enforced by the Ministry of Labour and NSSA to ensure compliance with safety and dignity standards,” he said.

He also urged authorities to suspend mining licences for companies found guilty of systematic abuse until they comply with labour laws, while demanding full compensation and medical rehabilitation for affected workers.

“The mounting complaints of barbaric conduct at Chinese operations constitute not just a breach of labour rights, but a direct assault on Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, showing contempt for both human rights and the rule of law. If the Government’s mantra of ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ is to carry legitimacy, it cannot serve as a smokescreen for modern-day slavery where foreign investment becomes synonymous with unchecked violence, exploitation, and impunity,” he added.