Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
TEMPERS flared at Bijour Farm in Lower Gweru, Midlands Province, leading to violent scenes after an excavator operator, allegedly dismissed from his job, stabbed one of his supervisors in a fit of rage.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday at the farm owned by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, was widely circulated on social media. Videos show the worker, Kholwani Dube (38), demanding unpaid wages while shouting: “Give me my money. I want my money. Shoot me!”
The confrontation escalated, with supervisors restraining Dube, binding his hands and legs with wire, and threatening him with a pistol.
According to sources, Dube had gone to the mine demanding US$600 in unpaid wages. Upon arrival, he was informed of his dismissal, sparking a heated argument with his supervisors.
“Dube came to work demanding his dues, but his bosses refused to pay him, leading to the confrontation,” said an employee who requested anonymity.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the altercation in a statement.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an assault and pointing of a firearm incident that occurred at Bijour Farm, Lower Gweru, on 21 January 2025. Kholwani Dube stabbed a Chinese national with an okapi knife on the leg following a labour dispute, while the Chinese national pointed a firearm at Dube,” he said.
He said both Dube and the Chinese national are facing criminal charges.
Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments released a statement providing their account of the incident.
The company alleged that Dube had been warned and suspended for repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors. Despite this, he reportedly seized the keys to an excavator and drove it toward two supervisors, endangering employees and equipment.
“Mr Dube even attempted to run over the manager with the excavator, putting other employees and assets at risk,” the statement read.
The company claimed that Mr Liu Haifeng, the farm manager, fired a warning shot into the air to de-escalate the situation. However, the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation during which Dube allegedly stabbed Mr Liu in the leg.
“Mr Liu fired a warning shot into the sky, taking into account all firearm handling and safety procedures and without harming anyone. During the skirmish, Mr Hu contacted the police at Gweru Rural Police Station who were unfortunately unable to respond immediately due to transport challenges,” said the company.
The injured supervisor was taken to the hospital, while Dube was handed over to the police.
“Mr Dube then suddenly attacked Mr Liu who defended himself out of instinct, grabbing the driver by the collar. It was during the fistfight that Mr Dube stabbed and seriously injured Mr Liu on his left leg,” said the company.
“Fellow employees disarmed Mr Dube. Mr Liu was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, while other employees took the driver to the police.”
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has expressed outrage over the incident, calling for Government intervention to protect workers’ rights.
