Charity Munaki
GWERU, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a formal investigation into a violent altercation at Bijour Farm, Lower Gweru, in the Midlands Province, on Tuesday.
The incident involved Kholwani Dube (38), an excavator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, and a Chinese national. The clash has ignited widespread outrage over labour disputes and alleged abuses in Chinese-operated enterprises across the country.
According to ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the incident began as a wage dispute and escalated into violence.
“The ZRP is investigating an assault and firearm incident at Bijour Farm. Both parties involved are facing criminal charges,” Nyathi confirmed.
Witnesses who spoke to Africa News 24 alleged that Dube demanded unpaid wages from his supervisors and was met with resistance. A heated exchange ensued, during which the Chinese national reportedly pointed a firearm at Dube. This prompted Dube to retaliate with an okapi knife, stabbing the individual in the leg. Police reports confirmed that both Dube and the injured Chinese national were currently in custody pending further investigations.
A video circulating on social media has added fuel to the controversy. In the footage, Dube can be heard shouting, “Give me my money, I want my money, shoot me!” before being aggressively restrained, bound with wire, and threatened with a pistol. The video has sparked public outrage and renewed criticism of labour practices in Chinese-run enterprises.
Labor Union Condemnation
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has condemned the incident as part of a disturbing trend of escalating physical attacks on workers by Chinese nationals during labour disputes.
“We are deeply disturbed by these violent attacks and the use of firearms,” said ZDAMWU General Secretary, Justice Chinhema.
“Workers’ rights are being violated, and the government must take decisive action to address these abuses.”
Chinhema highlighted widespread grievances among workers in Chinese-operated mines, including meagre wages, unsafe working conditions, and the intimidation of workers who seek to unionise.
“Many workers endure poverty wages, lack of medical care, and 12 to 14-hour workdays under short-term contracts with no retirement benefits. This must end.”
Corporate response
In a Thursday press statement, Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments denied wrongdoing and defended its handling of the situation. “Our company adheres to Zimbabwean labour laws and remains committed to fair employment practices,” the statement read. The company accused Dube of acting dangerously by commandeering an excavator and threatening company assets and employees. “During the skirmish, the farm manager fired a warning shot into the air in accordance with firearm safety protocols,” the statement claimed, adding that Dube had attacked the manager with a knife.
Broader concerns and activism
This incident comes just a day after another violent clash involving a Chinese national at Binyup 5 Mine in Filabusi. In this case, a Chinese national allegedly shot Mthandazo Sibanda (20) with a 9mm pistol during an alleged gold dump theft. The Chinese national was arrested and remains in custody.
Civil society organisations, including the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), have expressed alarm over the increasing use of firearms in labour disputes.
“This is lawlessness as has never been witnessed in Zimbabwe’s mining sector since independence in 1980,” said CNRG in a statement.
“We urge the government to hold all perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety of all workers.”
Government and stakeholder action
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Midlands Chairman, Makumba Nyenje, announced plans to directly engage Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments to investigate the incident.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of the conflict and ensure justice is served,” Nyenje stated.
ZDAMWU has demanded urgent action from the government, calling for stricter enforcement of labour laws and improved oversight of foreign-operated businesses.
“We propose the creation of an inclusive inspection committee under the National Employment Council (NEC) to monitor working conditions and investigate reported abuses,” Chinhema said. “This will help restore dignity to workers and foster industrial harmony.”
The recent spate of violent labour disputes underscores a growing tension between Chinese nationals operating in Zimbabwe and local workers. As investigations continue, labour unions, civil society, and local residents are united in their call for justice, transparency, and systemic reforms to protect workers’ rights and ensure accountability in the mining sector.
