A violent confrontation erupted on January 21 at a Chinese-owned mining company after a worker demanding unpaid wages clashed with his supervisors, sparking outrage on social media and calls for action against Chinese investors accused of exploiting local workers.
The incident, which occurred at Bijou Farm in Gweru, involved Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments. Videos circulating on social media show a man, believed to be Dube, shouting, “I want my money! I want my money!” before the confrontation escalated. Some reports claim Dube was owed $600 in unpaid wages.
Caston Matewu, Member of Parliament for Marondera Central, condemned the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “@PoliceZimbabwe what action has been taken against these Chinese miners? @nickmangwana the rest of these Chinese miners must be deported ASAP. We can’t be prisoners in our own country.”
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However, in a statement, Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments provided a different account of events, claiming that Dube disregarded instructions, took an excavator without authorization, and posed a threat to supervisors by attempting to run them over.
“LIU Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, taking into account firearm safety procedures and without harming anyone,” the statement reads. “During a physical altercation, Dube reportedly stabbed and seriously injured Liu Haifeng, who was later hospitalized.” The company added that Dube was restrained by other employees and handed over to the police without injury.
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments accused some publications of spreading “inaccurate versions of the incident” and urged the media to verify facts.
The incident has reignited debate over the treatment of Zimbabwean workers by Chinese investors, with critics accusing authorities of failing to hold foreign companies accountable for labor violations.
Police have not commented on the matter, and investigations are ongoing.
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