Tiyani Hahlani

Kinsey, a subcontractor at Bikita Minerals, has paid US$15 000 to the family of Farai Murimoga, who died on duty on August 22 after being crushed by a front-end loader at the SQUI6 plant.

Murimoga, who had been employed for just six months, is survived by his wife and five children.

Family representative and brother-in-law, Mutindi Mutindi, confirmed the compensation package, describing it as a “generous deed” in a time of grief.

“The family was given US$15 000; the wife was offered a job at the mine and school fees for the children will be covered.

“They also gave US$1 000 in immediate support and handled all funeral expenses through Nyaradzo Funeral Services,” said Mutindi.

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He added that Kinsey assured the family they would also receive compensation from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), although the figures were not disclosed.

However, Mutindi expressed disappointment over Bikita Minerals’ handling of the tragedy, saying the mining giant neither sent a representative to the funeral nor provided any support to the bereaved family.

“As a family, we appreciate what Kinsey has done, but we are deeply worried by Bikita Minerals’ silence. They have not even acknowledged our loss,” he said.

The incident has once again drawn attention to safety standards and accountability at Zimbabwe’s largest lithium mine, where a recent spate of accidents has sparked growing concern among workers and surrounding communities.

This story was updated on 27/08/2025 to replace the featured picture and add the ‘Read More’ feature.