Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
AN alleged irate worker at a Chinese-owned mine in Gweru, Kholwani Dube, reportedly commandeered an excavator at a construction site on Tuesday and charged towards his supervisors in an attempt to force them to pay his unpaid wages, it has been learnt.
Dube, an excavator operator at Bijou Farm, is alleged to have been suspended for “repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors” when the incident occurred.
“At approximately 4pm on the same day (January 21), it was reported that Mr Dube robbed the keys to excavator 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,” Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments said in a statement on Thursday.
“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, Hup Haopeng contacted the police at Gweru Rural Police Station, who were unfortunately unable to respond immediately due to transport challenges.”
Dube reportedly suddenly attacked Liu, which resulted in a fistfight.
Five employees at the site had to intervene to break up the fight.
During the fight, Dube allegedly stabbed and injured Liu Haifeng on his left leg.
He was, however, disarmed.
Liu was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, while other employees took the driver to the police.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with reports indicating that Dube was owed US$600 in unpaid wages.
“We also regret to state that some publications rushed to publish inaccurate versions of the incident in what appears to be yet another attack on Chinese investors in Zimbabwe using false information,” added the company.
“We also take this opportunity to urge the media to verify facts and report accurately without bias. Our company is a law-abiding citizen and remains committed to best labour and business
practices which employ legal conflict resolution strategies. We are also committed to being a part of building Zimbabwe brick upon brick in the productive sectors and creating employment for thousands of Zimbabweans.”
Online Reporter