GWERU – A violent confrontation at a Chinese-owned mining company in Zimbabwe has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability, highlighting long-standing concerns about the treatment of local workers by foreign investors.
The incident, which occurred on January 21 at Bijou Farm in Gweru, involved Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments. Dube had reportedly been demanding unpaid wages, leading to a confrontation with his Chinese supervisors.
Video footage of the incident shows Dube being restrained by at least three Chinese nationals, with one kneeling on his back and holding a gun to his head. A large amount of blood is visible on the soil nearby, although it is unclear who was bleeding.
The incident has highlighted the long-standing concerns about the abuse and exploitation of local workers by Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and demand action from the authorities.
Critics argue that the government has failed to provide adequate protections for local workers and has instead prioritized attracting foreign investment.
Fadzayi Mahere, a former Member of Parliament, stated: “Foreign investment is good when it creates jobs, revitalizes industry and helps promote the growth of our economy.
“What we cannot have, however, is foreign investment that is shrouded in corruption, that causes environmental degradation and that is accompanied by the abuse of workers’ rights.
“It doesn’t matter where the investment is coming from, it must not result in the violation of our dignity, constitutional rights or the ethos of who we are as Zimbabweans.”
Kuwadzana East MP Chalton Hwende promised to table a motion in Parliament to address the issue.
“I will be tabling a motion in Parliament to address the deplorable treatment of black workers by Chinese business people in Zimbabwe. The alarming reports of unfair labour practices, dismal working conditions, and shockingly low salaries are unacceptable,” Hwende stated.
“But what’s even more disturbing is the physical abuse and violence perpetrated against workers who dare to demand their rightful wages. This recent video of a Chinese employer shooting a worker for demanding payment is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
“I call on all Progressive MPs to support this motion and join me in demanding justice for our workers.
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments has released a statement denying any wrongdoing and claiming that Dube was the aggressor.
“At approximately 16:00 on the same day, it was reported that Mr. Dube robbed the keys to excavator (Equipment No. 28) from the other driver and drove the vehicle towards supervisors Mr. Hu and Mr. Chen, exhibiting behaviour that posed a serious threat.
“Despite their efforts to intervene safely, Mr. Dube’s actions necessitated immediate reporting to the Farm Manager, Mr. Liu Haifeng, and his deputy, Mr. Huo Haopeng,” the company stated.
“Dube even attempted to run over the manager LIU Haifeng with the excavator all this while putting other employees and assets at risk.
“LIU Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, taking into account all firearm handling and safety procedures and without harming anyone.
“During the skirmish, HUO Haopeng contacted the police at Gweru Rural Police Station who were unfortunately unable to respond immediately due to transport challenges.
“Dube then suddenly attacked LIU Haifeng. LIU Haifeng defended himself out of instinct, grabbing. the driver by the collar. The two were embroiled in a fistfight in which five other employees broke up.
“It was during the fistfight that Dube stabbed and seriously injured LIU Haifeng on his left leg. Fellow employees disarmed Dube. UU Haifeng was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, while other employees took the driver to the police.
“Dube was not injured in the process and is currently in police custody. No other employees were injured.”
Chegutu West legislator Shacky Timburwa has called for justice and accountability in the incident. He wished Mr. Liu Haifeng a swift recovery and acknowledged that if the reported facts are accurate, Dube’s actions can not be justified.
Timburwa emphasised the importance of verifying facts, ensuring a fair process, and holding those responsible for violent behaviour accountable.
all those blood sackers chinese thy must go back to their country satun