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Employee brutally attacked by Chinese over NSSA injury claim
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An employee at Chinese-operated Huaman Investments (Private) Limited has accused company management of violently assaulting him and fellow workers after they sought assistance from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to assess workplace injuries.
The employee, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, sustained injuries while on duty and was advised by the National Engineering Workers Union (NEWU), led by Shepherd Mashingaidze, to formally report the injuries to NSSA.
Following NSSA's standard procedure, the employee was given a form to present to company management for endorsement to facilitate an injury assessment.
However, upon returning to the company, the situation escalated dramatically.
"I was brutally beaten by the Chinese manager, Mr Lohua, and his Zimbabwean foreman," the employee alleged. "They threw bricks and iron at me and my colleagues, demanding to know why we were involving NSSA and trade unions."
The employee described harsh working conditions at Huaman Investments, highlighting extreme exploitation and abuse.
"I have worked here for four years but earn only about US$0.90 per hour. Our shifts start at 5 a.m. and end at 7 p.m., with daily wages between US$7 and US$8. The company refuses to issue contracts, and if you complain, you risk being beaten," he said.
Another current employee told reporters he once lost a tooth after a severe beating.
"During night shifts, we get only one hour for eating and resting. If you wake up even five minutes late, US$20 is deducted from your pay," he added.
A former employee recounted being summarily dismissed months ago and denied his rightful dues after company owners reportedly unleashed dogs to intimidate him.
When he sought police assistance at Msasa station near the company, officers allegedly demanded fuel money to open a case.
"Reporting to the police here is useless. They take bribes and never follow through with investigations," the ex-worker lamented.
Efforts to reach Huaman Investments for comment were unsuccessful. The company appears to have no public website or social media presence.
These testimonies shed light on troubling labour practices within some Chinese-run businesses in Zimbabwe, raising urgent questions about worker safety, fair wages, and respect for labour rights.
The employee, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, sustained injuries while on duty and was advised by the National Engineering Workers Union (NEWU), led by Shepherd Mashingaidze, to formally report the injuries to NSSA.
Following NSSA's standard procedure, the employee was given a form to present to company management for endorsement to facilitate an injury assessment.
However, upon returning to the company, the situation escalated dramatically.
"I was brutally beaten by the Chinese manager, Mr Lohua, and his Zimbabwean foreman," the employee alleged. "They threw bricks and iron at me and my colleagues, demanding to know why we were involving NSSA and trade unions."
The employee described harsh working conditions at Huaman Investments, highlighting extreme exploitation and abuse.
"I have worked here for four years but earn only about US$0.90 per hour. Our shifts start at 5 a.m. and end at 7 p.m., with daily wages between US$7 and US$8. The company refuses to issue contracts, and if you complain, you risk being beaten," he said.
Another current employee told reporters he once lost a tooth after a severe beating.
"During night shifts, we get only one hour for eating and resting. If you wake up even five minutes late, US$20 is deducted from your pay," he added.
A former employee recounted being summarily dismissed months ago and denied his rightful dues after company owners reportedly unleashed dogs to intimidate him.
When he sought police assistance at Msasa station near the company, officers allegedly demanded fuel money to open a case.
"Reporting to the police here is useless. They take bribes and never follow through with investigations," the ex-worker lamented.
Efforts to reach Huaman Investments for comment were unsuccessful. The company appears to have no public website or social media presence.
These testimonies shed light on troubling labour practices within some Chinese-run businesses in Zimbabwe, raising urgent questions about worker safety, fair wages, and respect for labour rights.
Source - NewZimbabwe
