News / National
Wage dispute turns violent at Chinese mining company
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A wage dispute at the Chinese-run Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments company in Gweru turned violent on Tuesday when an aggrieved employee threatened to use an excavator to crush his employer after failing to receive his dues.
The incident occurred when Kolwani Dube, a disgruntled employee, took the keys to an excavator and drove it toward his supervisors in protest over an outstanding payment. The situation escalated, prompting the company's manager, Liu Haifeng, to fire warning shots to defuse the escalating tension.
Company officials confirmed the incident, which was reported to the police under case number CR77/01/25. They explained that Dube had been suspended earlier in the day for disobeying direct instructions from his supervisors, and he was fully aware of the suspension as he had signed the suspension forms.
According to the company's statement, Dube returned to the mining site later and reportedly stole the excavator keys, demanding his salary for January, even though payments were scheduled for the following week as per the company's pay calendar. The company emphasized that salaries for all employees, including Dube, were up to date.
"The situation was contained when Liu Haifeng, the individual who had the gun, fired warning shots. He is the person in charge at the site and is highly trained in firearm handling. The weapon is kept in a secure cabinet for safety purposes as part of the on-site security measures," the company said. "No shots were fired at the individual."
The company further reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all employees. The matter will proceed according to established protocols to address the situation appropriately. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further updates are expected.
The incident occurred when Kolwani Dube, a disgruntled employee, took the keys to an excavator and drove it toward his supervisors in protest over an outstanding payment. The situation escalated, prompting the company's manager, Liu Haifeng, to fire warning shots to defuse the escalating tension.
Company officials confirmed the incident, which was reported to the police under case number CR77/01/25. They explained that Dube had been suspended earlier in the day for disobeying direct instructions from his supervisors, and he was fully aware of the suspension as he had signed the suspension forms.
According to the company's statement, Dube returned to the mining site later and reportedly stole the excavator keys, demanding his salary for January, even though payments were scheduled for the following week as per the company's pay calendar. The company emphasized that salaries for all employees, including Dube, were up to date.
"The situation was contained when Liu Haifeng, the individual who had the gun, fired warning shots. He is the person in charge at the site and is highly trained in firearm handling. The weapon is kept in a secure cabinet for safety purposes as part of the on-site security measures," the company said. "No shots were fired at the individual."
The company further reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all employees. The matter will proceed according to established protocols to address the situation appropriately. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further updates are expected.
Source - newsday
