A Zimbabwean man was involved in a violent confrontation with his Chinese employers in Gweru on January 21 after he demanded his unpaid wages.
After videos of the confrontation circulated on social media, Zimbabweans have demanded government action against Chinese investors accused of exploiting local workers.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/chinese-miner-draws-gun-at-worker-demanding-overdue-wages/">ZimLive</a> incident at Bijou Farm in Gweru involved Kholwani Dube, an excavator operator for Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, a Chinese-owned company.
Videos show a man, believed to be Dube, shouting, “I want my money! I want my money!” before the situation escalates. Reports claim Dube was owed $600 in unpaid wages.
Caston Matewu, MP for Marondera Central, condemned the incident on X and called for the arrest of the Chinese nationals involved.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) criticized Chinese miners, saying local people suffer inhumane treatment from them. ZCTU said on X:
<blockquote>
We are outraged by the continued unbecoming behaviour of the Chinese. No worker deserves such inhuman treatment.
[The Police] &amp; other authorities need to reign in these brutes lest workers resort to self-help measures to defend themselves.
</blockquote>
However, in a statement, Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments claimed that Dube disregarded instructions, took an excavator without authorisation, and threatened supervisors by attempting to run them over. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
Liu Haifeng fired a warning shot into the air, taking into account firearm safety procedures and without harming anyone.
During a physical altercation, Dube stabbed and seriously injured Liu Haifeng, who was later hospitalised.
</blockquote>
The company added that Dube was restrained by other employees and handed over to the police without injury.
However, the video showed at least three Chinese nationals huddled over Dube, with one kneeling on his back and pointing a gun at his head. The others were applying restraints on Dube.
There was also a large amount of blood on the soil nearby, although it was not clear from the video who was bleeding.

Pindula News

A man from Zimbabwe asked for his money from his Chinese boss, but things got violent. The man said he was owed $600. People in Zimbabwe are upset and want the government to do something. The Chinese company said the man tried to hurt them with a machine. One person was injured and went to the hospital. The company said they followed gun safety rules. The police came and took the man away. People saw a video with blood and a gun, but it's not clear what happened. People are worried about workers being treated badly by Chinese companies.

Chinese Miner Pulls Gun On Zimbabwean Worker Demanding Unpaid Wages

Residents of Pumula North Suburb in Bulawayo accuse a Chinese quarry mining company, Hualin Investments (Pvt) Limited, of causing noise pollution and destroying road infrastructure in the suburb.
The roads, severely impacted by heavy-duty trucks transporting quarry materials, have led some kombi operators to avoid the Pumula North route altogether.
The Chinese company was granted permission to establish the quarry mine in 2021 by the City of Bulawayo and the contract is valid for 10 years.
Hualin is conducting quarry mining behind Pumula High School in the area, but the majority of residents are said to be against the venture.
A resident who spoke to <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200025641/pumula-residents-chinese-miner-clash-over-noise">Southern Eye</a> in an interview recently bemoaned the damage to infrastructure caused by the company. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
The infrastructure in the constituency is under threat of destruction, with some of the houses around the mine now having cracks due to heavy blasting at the mine, while roads have also been damaged by heavy-duty trucks.
</blockquote>
Another resident, Sikhumbulelo Dube, appealed to the Chinese miner to repair his cracked house.
Monica Dube, a resident from the peri-urban Methodist village said dust from the quarry is polluting pastures and their livestock is now feeding on dirt.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo confirmed the damage caused to the roads by heavy-duty trucks but also commended the mine for employing locals. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
What I know is that three-quarters of children with qualifications are from Pumula.
</blockquote>
Hualin Investments spokesperson Rodrick Moyo said the company’s operations are above board.
Moyo asserted that the company followed due processes and was monitored by inspectors from the Mines and Mining Development Ministry. He said:
<blockquote>
The mine has also implemented safety measures to warn residents living near the mine, including using notices, sirens and human personnel.
</blockquote>
Moyo also claimed that Hualin was ploughing back to the Pumula community through corporate social responsibility programmes. He said:
<blockquote>
The engagements have seen investments in local primary and secondary schools within Ward 17 for infrastructural development.
The Hualin scholarship programme pays school fees and registration for O-Level examinations for selected underprivileged students.
Water infrastructure is part of the 2024 development projects, and Babambeni Primary School has already benefited from a water kiosk to alleviate water challenges faced by locals.
</blockquote>
Chinese-owned mining operations in Zimbabwe are notorious for causing untold environmental degradation in the areas they operate.
Villagers living near these mines often complain about damaged roads and bridges, hazardous pollutants, and air pollution caused by the Chinese.
For instance, in Mutoko, where quarrying has been ongoing since the 1980s, the Buja people have witnessed cracks in their homes, debris from blasts, and overall environmental degradation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Quarry Mining Company Faces Backlash In Pumula North

Chinese companies were awarded licenses in the third quarter that could lead to US$2.79 billion of investment in Zimbabwe, reported <a href="https://chinaeconomicreview.com/china-to-invest-2-8bn-in-zimbabwean-lithium-energy/">China Economic Review</a> citing a Bloomberg report.
The bigger chunk of the investment is in the mining and energy sectors as the southern African country pushes to develop some of Africa’s biggest lithium deposits and to end power cuts.
The planned investment is a tenfold increase on the US$271 million pledged in the same period last year.
According to a report by the Zimbabwe Development Agency, the state-owned unit responsible for securing investment, released on Wednesday, Chinese applications “were the most by number and investment value with mining being their most preferred sector followed by the manufacturing sector.
China accounted for more than two-thirds of the 180 applications.
Chinese companies have been buying lithium mines, which supply a key component for the batteries used in electric vehicles.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-lithium-export-earnings-treble-as-projects-take-off/">ZimLive</a>, Chinese firms, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt (603799.SS), Sinomine Resource Group (002738.SZ), Chengxin Lithium Group (002240.SZ), Yahua Group (002497.SZ) and Canmax Technologies (300390.SZ).
Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation undertook the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station’s units 7 and 8  which added two generators with a combined capacity of 600 megawatts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Firms To Invest US$2.8 Billion In Lithium And Energy In Zimbabwe

The Chinese company, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco), says it has increased the workforce at its Manhize steel plant construction site in Mvuma, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe to 1 400.
Disco is a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holdings, the world’s largest stainless-steel producer.
Disco public relations manager, Joseph Shoko, told <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/steel-giant-hires-1-400-workers/">the Chronicle</a> they are working to meet the December deadline when production is expected to commence. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s a hive of activity at the Manhize steel plant construction site in Mvuma and the project is now 60 percent complete.
We have engaged more employees and we now have a strong 1 400 workforce mostly locals from the surrounding areas who are working to meet the December deadline when production is expected to commence.
… we are moving with speed, with no hiccups either other than the challenges of electricity, which stalls progress.
We need electricity at this stage for welding for example and unfortunately, we are not spared of long hours of load shedding.
</blockquote>
Shoko said the blast furnace at the main complex is over 60 percent completed.
He said the Sintering Complex was 70 percent complete while the De-dusting complex is almost complete.
Shoko added that the main workshop and warehouse, which is 400x150m is about 80 percent complete now. He said:
<blockquote>
Lots of fabrication is taking place, bending of steel of all sizes we need and also bending and shaping zinc is taking place. So, it’s a hive of activity at the site.
You may also take note of the Munyati Manhize state-of-the-art bridge that has been completed.
The power line from Sherwood is set to begin soon. Towards the end of the year, production is earmarked to start.
We resettled 12 families and six in Chivhu to pave the way for mining activities.
</blockquote>
Estimates indicate that the plant will produce about 1.2 million tonnes of steel annually and create over 10 000 jobs at its peak.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Steel Manufacturer Has Hired 1 400 Workers In Mvuma - Official

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has criticised the United States government after the country’s Ambassador-Designate to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, claimed that Chinese investments in Africa do not benefit ordinary people but benefit those in power.
Tremont made the remarks while responding to questions from US senators about how America can better counter Chinese influence in Africa and growing investment during the nomination hearings on 1 March.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 19 March, the Chinese Embassy said the United States should respect the right of Zimbabweans and Africans to choose their friends without external interference. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The US senators and government officials wantonly discussed Zimbabwe’s internal affairs and even smeared China-Zimbabwe cooperation.
I want to challenge them, ‘Who gives them the right to point fingers at other countries’ diplomatic relations?’ The US’ old habit never changes’.
We strongly suggest that the US politicians should study the word ‘respect’ and respect Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty, respect the African countries and African people, and respect the normal cooperation between Zimbabwe and other countries.
Zimbabwe has the right to develop friendly relations with any other country without external influence or pressure.
Please remember, Zimbabwe should not be used as a battlefield for the US to counter China, and should not be used as a wrestling ground for major-country rivalry.
We believe that the Zimbabwe government and its people will not allow this to happen in their territory.
</blockquote>
The Chinese Embassy rejected Tremont’s assertion that Chinese projects such as the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden will not benefit the people of Zimbabwe, saying:
<blockquote>
Is the US Capitol not serving the interests of the US people, and is it just benefiting the US congressmen and senators?
If so, the US should stop its budget for maintaining and protecting the Capitol. The US always advocates its model of “democracy”.
Why does Zimbabwe not need a new Parliament building to develop the nation’s democracy?
… It’s easy to find out where the Chinese funds are used and what benefits are generated. This is the best transparency.
If the US failed and even doesn’t want to find out the truth, it is not qualified to comment. We noticed that the new ambassador alleged the US invested US$4.5 billion in Zimbabwe. It is more than one-third of the foreign currency inflows of Zimbabwe for a whole year.
We are curious where the money went, what projects have been completed, what benefits have been brought to the Zimbabwean people, and how much has been spent on “defending democratic space to improve the election system.
If anyone wants to talk about competition, let’s compete on ‘Who contributes more to the development of Zimbabwe?’
If anyone wants to counter something, let’s counter-hegemony and interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Embassy In Zimbabwe Criticises United States Over Diplomat's Remarks

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando says foreign investors in the mining sector should respect the country’s labour and immigration laws.
Addressing small-scale miners and foreign investors at a Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF)-organised workshop in Harare on Thursday, Chitando said the government is going to take a tough stance against foreign investors that violate the country’s labour and immigration laws. He said:
<blockquote>
I want all mining activities in Zimbabwe to be done in accordance with the laws of this country, and I repeat that they must observe the laws of this country.
We want labour and immigration laws to be observed. Government is going to take a tough stance against those who are not going to observe these laws.
It is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision that mineral resources must benefit Zimbabweans and that investors get their returns or profits.
</blockquote>
Speaking at the same event, ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya said the ban on middlemen in the mining sector was a welcome development. She said:
<blockquote>
We also intended to discuss the ban on exports which came as a relief for us because small-scale miners have been supplying lithium and other ores at unreasonable prices.
This was not fair at all. Just imagine selling a tonne of lithium at US$100 per tonne while the middlemen get US$800 from it, and government is losing in terms of revenue.
</blockquote>
Other issues that were raised during the meeting were that Chinese mining companies keep clashing with local communities.
They were also accused of ill-treating workers and flouting of the country’s labour laws.
Chinese investors formed the bulk of investors that attended the meeting.

Govt To Get Tough On Investors That Violate Labour Laws - Minister Chitando

Some workers at the Chinese-owned Hualin Investments (Pvt) Limited mine in Pumula North, Bulawayo, are reportedly sleeping in dog kennels due to a shortage of accommodation.
This was revealed by a study on the mine conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Peter Nkala.
The research was titled “Quarrying my doorstep: The case of one company in Ward 17, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province”.
Nkala presented his findings at a Policy Brief hosted by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRZ) last Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the concerns raised are that blasting is affecting the houses and other infrastructure in the area.
There is damage to the roads in the area as 21-tonne trucks coming to collect the quarry are damaging roads.
Employment of outsiders who are actually desperate that they accept living in dog kennels.
… People are working long hours and are underpaid. Dust from the quarry is affecting people as well as flora and fauna.
There are unfulfilled promises by the investor such as donating Jojo tanks.
The company drilled a borehole to meet their water requirements but it is said they will not share the water with the community, which is not good neighbourliness.
</blockquote>
After the presentations, participants queried how Hualin was allowed to operate without considering the effects of its activities on the environment.
Ward 17 councillor, Sikhululekile Moyo, who was also present at the policy brief, said Hualin applied to operate as was given a licence by the Ministry of Mines. | <a href="https://cite.org.zw/chinese-mine-workers-sleeping-in-dog-kennels/">CITE</a>

Workers At A Mine Owned By Chinese Firm Sleeping In Dog Kennels

China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun has defended Chinese businesses operating in the country, saying they are operating in compliance with Zimbabwe’s laws.
This follows allegations that Chinese companies are violating workers’ rights and tax and environmental laws.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Guo said the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe is not mandated to police Chinese-owned businesses operating in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
I cannot acknowledge your assertions since all the businesses in Zimbabwe are being operated in line with Zimbabwean law.
The Chinese Embassy is not a law-enforcement agency. We suggest the media interview the Zimbabwean authorities to get true and comprehensive information.
All businesses, including those from China, must comply with the laws and regulations in the host country. Wrongdoers must be held accountable.
</blockquote>
A Chinese national shot and injured a worker last year in Midlands after he asked for his unpaid wages.
In Mashonaland Central and Midlands, Chinese companies are accused of mining for granite and chrome respectively and leaving the land degraded.
Guo asserted that Chinese companies have been investing in Zimbabwe for years and creating thousands of jobs in the process. He said:
<blockquote>
They have created thousands of local jobs, increased the country’s tax revenues and forex inflows, upskilled local workers, and generated business opportunities for local companies.
We support Zimbabwe in strengthening its regulatory framework and law enforcement. We call for a compliance monitoring team composed of government officials, local councillors, and community representatives to be set up in foreign-invested companies.
If anyone finds the possible wrongdoings of Chinese companies in Zimbabwe, he or she is welcome to file official complaints to the relevant Zimbabwean authorities, but we suggest such complaints consist of necessary basic elements such as who, when, what and where.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe threatened to take unspecified “strong countermeasures” against a local weekly publication, The Standard following the publication of a series of reports exposing unlawful activities by Chinese mining companies operating in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/we-are-not-a-law-enforcement-agency-says-chinese-ambassador-amid-allegations-of-worker-abuse-and-illegal-land-use-by-nationals/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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