Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
A violent clash unfolded on Tuesday this week at a Chinese-owned mining firm after a worker, reportedly seeking unpaid wages, confronted his supervisors.
This incident has since ignited outrage on social media.
The confrontation took place at Bijou Farm in Gweru and involved Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments. Videos circulating on social media depict Dube shouting, “I want my money! I want my money!” as tensions escalated. Reports indicate that he was owed $600 in unpaid wages.
In contrast, Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments offered a different narrative, claiming Dube ignored instructions, operated an excavator without permission, and threatened supervisors by allegedly trying to run them over.
The company’s statement said: “LIU Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, adhering to firearm safety procedures and ensuring no one was harmed.”
It went on to report that during a physical altercation, Dube allegedly stabbed and severely injured Liu Haifeng, who required hospitalisation. The company asserted that Dube was subdued by fellow employees and subsequently handed over to the police without injury.
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments also criticized some media outlets for disseminating “inaccurate versions of the incident,” urging them to verify the facts.
derick.khumalo