Chinese nationals face additional charges over Zimbabwe farm shooting incident

The State has pressed additional charges against two Chinese nationals who were arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at their employee and firing three warning shots during a confrontation over unpaid wages at a Gweru farm.

The incident, which occurred on January 21 at Bijou Farm in Gweru, involved Kholwani Dube (38), an excavator operator, and his employer Liu Haikeng. Dube has also been arrested after allegedly stabbing Liu in the leg during the scuffle, which led to Liu discharging his firearm. Liu has since been remanded in custody until February 7.

Wang Jun, another Chinese national, has also been remanded to the same date. Wang allegedly intervened in the altercation by pressing Dube's head to the ground and pointing a firearm at him.

Appearing before the Gweru Magistrates' Court, Liu and Wang now face additional charges. Haikeng has been charged with unlawful use of explosives without a blasting license and conducting illegal gold prospecting at Bijou Farm without a permit. Wang, on the other hand, is facing three charges under the Explosives, Mines, and Minerals Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Haikeng allegedly used explosives illegally in 2024 and conducted unauthorized gold prospecting.

The altercation began when Dube, demanding US$600 in unpaid wages, entered the farm, leading to a heated dispute with his supervisors. Witnesses claim that after being informed of his dismissal, the situation escalated, resulting in Haikeng firing three warning shots using a Canik pistol. The confrontation was widely circulated on social media, with videos showing Dube demanding his wages and daring his employers to shoot him.

In response to the incident, Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, the company that owns the farm, released a statement defending Haikeng's actions. The company alleged that Dube had been suspended for repeated insubordination and that he had endangered employees by seizing an excavator and attempting to run over a manager.

"Mr. Dube even attempted to run over the manager with the excavator, putting other employees and assets at risk," read the statement. The company further claimed that Haikeng's warning shots were intended to de-escalate the situation but that the scuffle escalated when Dube allegedly stabbed him in the leg.

The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.