Staff Reporter
Chinese miners operating at Indarama Mine, also known as Ming Chang, have come under fire for allegedly refusing to assist in the rescue operation following a fatal road accident that claimed 12 lives on 27 May 2025 along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway.
The tragic incident occurred at the 200km peg near Sebakwe River when a fuel tanker overturned and crushed an AD van carrying 12 passengers. All the victims died on the spot, and it took hours to retrieve the bodies as emergency responders struggled to access a crane to lift the tanker.
Kwekwe Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Chairperson Fortune Mupungu said efforts to secure assistance from the nearby Chinese-owned mine were met with outright refusal.
“The Chinese from Indarama Mine refused to assist us with a crane when we approached them. They failed to understand the gravity of the situation and they refused to help, of which we do not expect people to behave in that manner in times of tragedy. We will engage them so that they can understand what is expected of them when disaster strikes,” said Mupungu.
Mupungu said the CPU later received help from Tombs Motorways and Kwekwe Metals, who provided the much-needed crane to lift the tanker and retrieve the bodies.
Zibagwe Rural District Council Ward 31 Councillor Tichafa Chitate, in whose ward the accident occurred, also condemned the alleged conduct of the miners.
“I am disappointed by the behaviour exhibited by the Chinese operating at Indarama—that is Ming Chang. They refused to offer assistance, and we are noting that they are not interested in supporting the community they operate in. We were even told that the local employee who let in our CPU team into the mine’s administration block was threatened with a salary cut. This issue needs to be addressed. I am disappointed,” said Chitate.
The alleged lack of cooperation has sparked concern over the social responsibility practices of foreign investors operating in Kwekwe’s mining communities.
