(LUSAKATIMES) Chinese coal mine nationals condemned for beating up Zambian workers

Chinese coal mine nationals condemned for beating up Zambian workers
Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:24

Chief Sinazongwe has condemned the Chinese Collum Coal Mine (CCM) nationals for beating up Zambian workers which resulted in one them being admitted to Maamba Hospital. The Chief bemoaned that it was unfortunate that the Chinese supervisors were still using the colonial system of beating up workers when they were on duty.

Last week four Chinese nationals at shaft three beat up two miners Kilian Chilindile aged 30 and Chipo Muleya who is 28 years old with sticks, spears, and anything they had in their hands.

“It’s a sad state of affair that colonial system is still being used when the country has laid down labour laws,” Chief Sinazongwe said.

He said Chinese investment is welcome in the country but they should follow the laid down procedures in addressing the workers’ plight.

The Chief noted that the Chinese government has invested a lot of money in the country but its does not amount to mistreating the Zambian workers and assaulting them with impunity.

Chief Sinazongwe appealed to the Mine Union of Zambia to ensure that they follow up the abuse of workers at the Chinese coal mine.

However, the Victim Chilindile said the four Chinese nationals that beat them up were detained at Sinezeze police post where they accepted the offense and paid K2 million each to the two victims.

Mr Chilindile said he was admitted to Maamba hospital after he was assaulted.

He narrated that trouble started underground where one of the Chinese supervisors detained them for allegedly failing to finish the target of 15 tones during their shift despite completing it.

Mr Chilindile said immediately they came out of the tunnel they met a group of Chinese nationals and four of them started beating them up.

He said he has since quit his job because he could not afford to risk his life at the mine where human rights are not followed.