Chinese investor fatally struck by lightning in Magunje after controversial cement plant visit

A Chinese investor was killed by a lightning strike in Magunje, Zimbabwe, after Minister Marian Chombo visited the WIH-ZIM cement plant site. The $700 million project has been met with resistance from local residents who claim the plant's location near a community dam threatens water sources and livelihoods. Human rights activist Farai Maguwu described the lightning strike as unusual, noting clear skies and no thunderstorm at the time. A small cloud reportedly appeared over the area after the minister's visit, followed by the lightning strike. The incident has sparked debate, dark humor, and anger online, with many linking the death to community resistance against the development .

The project has faced numerous challenges, including a court order to halt construction due to environmental concerns and allegations of procedural irregularities in land allocation. The High Court found Labenmon Investments Company, involved in the project, in contempt of court for continuing operations despite a suspension order related to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) violations. Local residents have accused the developers of desecrating ancestral graves and displacing families without fair compensation .