By A Correspondent| Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments Pvt Ltd has addressed the public and stakeholders following a violent incident on January 21, 2025, involving one of its employees, excavator operator Kholwani Dube, at Bijou Farm in Gweru.

In a statement, Ming Chang Sino Africa said Dube, an excavator operator was observed repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors on a construction site.

“In accordance with company policies and Zimbabwean Labour Laws, Mr. Dube was warned and subsequently suspended from his duties pending a formal investigation into the matter,” the company said.

Ming Chang Sino Africa added that Dube took excavator keys and drove towards his supervisor while exhibiting behaviour that posed a serious threat.

“At approximately 16:00 on the same day, it was reported that Mr. Dube took the keys to excavator No. 28 from the dam construction site and drove the vehicle towards supervisors Mr. Hu and Mr. Chen, exhibiting behaviour that posed a serious threat. Despite their efforts to intervene safely, Mr. Dube’s actions necessitated immediate reporting to the Farm Manager, Mr. Liu Haifeng, and his deputy, Mr. Huo Haopeng,” the company added.

“Dube even attempted to run over the manager LIU Haifeng with the excavator all this while putting other employees and assets at risk. LIU Haifeng fired a warning shot into the sky, taking into account all firearm handling and safety procedures and without harming anyone. During the skirmish, HUO Haopeng contacted the police at Gweru Rural Police Station who were unfortunately unable to respond immediately due to transport challenges,” added Ming Chang Sino Africa.

Dube reportedly attacked LIU Haifeng who defended himself out of instinct, grabbing the driver by the collar before a fistfight ensued until five other employees broke it up.

“It was during the fistfight that Dube stabbed and seriously injured LIU Haifeng on his left leg,” the company further said.

“Fellow employees disarmed Dube. HUO Haopeng immediately had to return to the farm to take LIU Haifeng to the hospital for medical treatment, while other employees took the driver to the police,” Ming Chang Sino Africa added.

Dube was not injured in the process and is currently in police custody while no other employees were injured.

Ming Chang Sino Africa has expressed regret over inaccurate reports of the incident that have begun surfacing online.

“Our company is a law-abiding and remains committed to best labour and business practices which employ legal conflict resolution strategies. We are also committed to being a part of building Zimbabwe brick upon brick in the productive sectors and creating employment for thousands of Zimbabweans,” the company said.