Johnson Progress

A Chinese-owned mining company, Max Mind Investments, has exhumed and reburied 22 bodies at its Sabi Star Mine in Buhera, sparking controversy and outrage among local communities.

According to a statement from the company, the exhumations were done in compliance with Zimbabwean law and traditional protocols, with the involvement of families, traditional leaders, and Buhera district authorities.

“In total, 22 bodies were exhumed and reburied five in 2022 and 17 in 2023 in full compliance with Zimbabwean law and traditional protocols,” said company spokesperson Emmerson Njanjamangezi.

The move has been met with criticism from human rights activist Farai Maguwu, who alleged that the company used excavators to dig up graves at the mine site.

“These were laid to rest with love and care in Buhera by hundreds of people, but exhumed by the Chinese [Sabi Star] using excavators and dumped here. Since this mining madness started, more than 10 000 graves have been desecrated countrywide,” Maguwu wrote on social media platform X.

However, Njanjamangezi denied the allegations, stating that the exhumations were done respectfully and with the consent of the affected families.

“All reburials were professionally conducted by a local funeral services company, with each family receiving compensation and full coverage of funeral and traditional expenses,” he said.

The Sabi Star lithium project has faced scrutiny over environmental and social impacts, with activists urging greater oversight of foreign mining operations in rural communities.

Max Mind Investments has assured that it remains committed to transparency and continued engagement with the local community.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between mining companies and local communities in Zimbabwe, where concerns about environmental degradation, displacement, and cultural heritage are increasingly coming to the forefront .