Zim China has publicly addressed a recent incident in which an employee, identified as Dube, was reportedly beaten after demanding his pay.
The company’s statement comes in the wake of public concern and media scrutiny regarding the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
According to the statement, Dube’s actions prompted him to approach the Farm Manager, Mr. Liu Haifeng, as well as his deputy, Mr. Huo Haopeng, to express grievances related to his unpaid wages. The situation escalated quickly, leading to a physical confrontation that raised safety concerns for all involved.
The Farm Manager reportedly issued a warning shot to defuse the situation while considering the welfare of employees on site.
However, as tensions heightened, Dube allegedly attacked Liu Haifeng, which resulted in both men being injured. The incident drew the attention of local authorities, prompting Deputy Farm Manager Huo Haopeng to contact the police to report the altercation.
Zim China emphasized in their statement that Dube was not seriously injured and is currently in police custody. The company also expressed regret over the incident, noting that some media outlets have published inaccurate narratives, suggesting that this was not an isolated attack on Chinese investors in Zimbabwe.