The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation following a violent altercation between a Chinese national and a Zimbabwean employee at Bijou Farm in Lower Gweru, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to a press statement issued by ZRP Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, both parties involved are facing criminal charges after the dispute escalated into violence.
Nyathi stated that the incident occurred when Kholwani Dube, 38, a local worker, stabbed a Chinese national, identified as Liu Haifeng, with an okapi knife after a labour dispute. In retaliation, the Chinese national reportedly pointed a firearm at Dube.
The ZRP spokesperson confirmed that criminal charges have been filed against both individuals.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an assault and pointing of a firearm incident,” Nyathi said.
Through their press release issued yesterday, Ming-Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, which owns Bijou Farm, stated that Dube had been suspended earlier in the day for “disobeying direct instructions” from his supervisors. Despite his suspension, Dube allegedly returned to the farm later in the afternoon and forcefully took the keys to an excavator, proceeding to operate the heavy machinery in a threatening manner.
The company’s statement claimed that Dube attempted to run over the farm manager, Liu Haifeng, with the excavator.
“Mr. Liu Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, adhering to firearm safety procedures,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and Mr. Dube stabbed Liu Haifeng in the leg before being subdued by fellow employees.”
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments insisted that the incident was an isolated case stemming from Dube’s aggressive behaviour. They stressed that no shots were fired at Dube, contrary to circulating rumours.
However, video footage of the incident that surfaced online paints a different picture. In the video, Dube is seen shouting for his salary, which he claimed had not been paid.
The press release also failed to mention that the footage also shows Liu Haifeng pointing a gun directly at Dube’s head as he lay down restrained. Haifeng also pointed the firearm several times at his face.
When questioned about the footage, Ming-Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments maintained that the situation arose from Dube’s disobedience and that there was no pay dispute. A company representative stated, “His salaries are up to date, as is the case with all our employees.”
The company also defended Liu Haifeng’s actions, claiming he is “highly trained in firearm handling” and was acting in self-defence. They emphasized that the firearm was legally stored in a gun cabinet on the farm as part of their security apparatus.
In response to questions posed to the company regarding the incident, Ming-Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments provided the following clarifications:
- When asked why the video shows Dube demanding payment, the company reiterated that the issue was not about wages but about Dube’s disregard for instructions.
- Concerning the legality of Liu Haifeng handling a firearm as a non-security officer, the company insisted that he is trained in firearm use and that the firearm was handled in accordance with safety protocols.
- Regarding claims that Dube was physically harmed during the confrontation, the company acknowledged the altercation but denied that excessive force was used, stating that other employees intervened to break up the fight.
In response to allegations of misinformation in the initial press release, the company denied providing false information and accused the media of publishing inaccurate reports without verifying facts. “We urge the media to report accurately without bias,” the company said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have not yet concluded their investigation into the matter, and both Liu Haifeng and Kholwani Dube are currently facing charges. The case highlights the tense relationship between some Chinese investors and their Zimbabwean workforce, as incidents of labour disputes, particularly regarding wages and working conditions, continue to surface.
