EMERGING miners have condemned the violence that is happening at mining sites around the country as well as use of weapons.
This is after an employee, Kholwani Dube (38) turned violent, demanding his outstanding salaries and going to the extent of stabbing a Chinese national with an Okapi knife at Bijour Farm, Lower Gweru in the Midlands province on Tuesday.
Police are already investigating a case of assault and pointing of a firearm at the mine, operated by Ming Chang Sino Africa.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said both the Zimbabwean national and Chinese national were facing criminal charges.
In a statement yesterday, Emerging Miners Association of Zimbabwe president Hyde Chatyoka condemned the videos circulating on social media that vividly depict escalating tensions at a mining site were concerning.
“We strongly condemn the use of weapons in the workplace except in cases where their use is necessary to protect plant, property or equipment.
“We also denounce the use of derogatory language in employer-employee relationships, regardless of the circumstances or the positions of the individuals involved. Such actions undermine the mutual respect and professionalism essential for productive workplaces,” he said.
Chatyoka urged authorities “to launch a thorough investigation into this incident, ensure the enforcement of the law and hold all parties accountable for any violations, without prejudice to race or nationality”.
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He said labour representatives should guide employees to channel grievances through procedures, while employers should foster an environment of dialogue and adherence to the law.
“In particular, we call on the Chinese business community to respect Zimbabwean laws and local customs to avoid negative comparisons to the exploitative practices of former colonial powers,” the emerging miners president said.
“Beyond this specific incident, we wish to address a broader concern regarding employment practices in Zimbabwe.
“With high unemployment and a skilled, affordable workforce, it is unacceptable for foreign investors to prioritise employing their own nationals over qualified Zimbabweans.
“Our citizens are fully capable of managing and safeguarding company assets, and the law provides a framework for professional and effective operations.
“There is no justification for crowding worksites with foreign personnel when local expertise is readily available.”
Chatyoka said the Zimbabwean economy could not sustain the practice of offering jobs to foreigners while millions of locals remain unemployed.
“We, therefore, call for the strict enforcement of a ‘Zimbabwe first’ policy at all worksites, ensuring that local talent is prioritised in recruitment and employment,” he said.
“This policy is essential not only for economic growth but also for fostering social equity and national pride.
“As patriotic citizens, we feel a duty to speak up on these critical issues and contribute to the national conversation with this perspective.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Ming Chang Sino Africa seemed to deflect blame, saying Dube “was observed repeatedly disregarding instructions from his supervisors on a construction site”.
