More charges against gun-wielding Chinese nationals

Trish Mukwazo, trishmukwazo515@gmail.com

THE State has pressed more charges against Chinese nationals who were arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at their employee at a Gweru farm where they also fired three shots in the air during a confrontation over unpaid wages.

Kholwani Dube (38), who was employed as an excavator operator, has also been arrested after he allegedly stabbed his boss Liu Haikeng in the leg during the scuffle, resulting in him firing three warning shots. Liu has since been remanded in custody until February 7.

Wang Jun, also a Chinese national who intervened in the scuffle by pressing Dube’s head to the ground and also pointing the firearm at him has been remanded in custody to the same date.

Liu and Wang appeared at the Gweru Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Haikeng is facing charges of unlawful use of explosives without a blasting licence and conducting illegal gold prospecting at Bijou Farm without a permit while Wang is facing three charges under the Explosives, Mines and Minerals Act.

It is alleged that on January 21, this year, at Bijou Farm in Gweru, Haikeng fired three shots using a Canik pistol after Dube demanded to get his unpaid wages of US$600.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Haikeng is alleged to have unlawfully used explosives without a blasting licence in 2024 and was also charged with illegal gold prospecting at Bijou Farm without a permit.

Wang is alleged to have intervened in the scuffle by pressing Dube’s head to the ground and pointing a firearm at him.

“In 2024, the accused person is alleged to have used explosives without a blasting licence at Bijou Farm and is also alleged to have excavated and blasted the ground at Bijou Farm without a Permit,” the NPA said.

The incident, which occurred at the farm owned by Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments, went viral on social media platforms with videos showing the worker, Dube, demanding unpaid wages while shouting: “Give me my money. I want my money. Shoot me!”

According to close sources, Dube had gone to the mine demanding US$600 in unpaid wages. Upon arrival, he was informed of his dismissal, sparking a heated argument with his supervisors.

“Dube came to work demanding his dues, but his bosses refused to pay him, leading to the confrontation,” said an employee who requested anonymity.

Following the incident the Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments released a statement providing their account of the incident.

The company alleged that Dube had been warned and suspended for repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors. Despite this, he reportedly seized the keys to an excavator and drove it toward two supervisors, endangering employees and equipment.

“Mr Dube even attempted to run over the manager with the excavator, putting other employees and assets at risk,” read the statement.

The company claimed that Mr Liu Haifeng, the farm manager, fired a warning shot into the air to de-escalate the situation. However, the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation during which Dube allegedly stabbed Mr Liu in the leg.

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