Chinese Nationals Granted Bail After Illegal Occupation of Protected Chiredzi Mine
CHIREDZI – Six Chinese nationals accused of unlawfully occupying a protected mining site and constructing illegal structures were granted US$200 bail each in Chiredzi yesterday.
Magistrate Tendai Mutamba granted bail as investigations continue.
The accused—Huang Dongqiang, Liang Xiaoan, Li Anming, Huang Honguei, Chen Qinbo and Yuan Feng—alongside local accomplice Nyasha Chauke, allegedly refused to vacate Oneiric Mine in Ndali, which is registered under Special Grant 7809.
According to court records, detectives from the Chiredzi Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (CID MFFU) arrested the suspects last Thursday after a formal complaint from mine owners.
Prosecutors say the Chinese nationals, residing at Mupinga Business Centre, conspired with Chauke to illegally take control of the site and construct permanent structures despite warnings.
Mine operators discovered the unauthorized developments on April 21, 2025 and issued an order to halt construction on May 7.
However, the accused allegedly defied the directive, prompting the mine owners to file a police report.
When questioned, they failed to provide legal documentation permitting their presence or construction at the site.
According to Zimeye, the suspects are scheduled to appear in court again on June 5, with authorities saying additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of investigations.
