Chinese manager shoots Zim employees in salary dispute

Munyaradzi Musiiwa

A Chinese mine manager allegedly shot and injured two of his subordinates over a salary dispute in Zimbabwe’s third largest city, Gweru, on Sunday.

Zhang Xuelin is now in police custody on attempted murder charges.
One of the employees, Kenneth Tachiona, took three bullets in both legs while the second, Wendy Chakwaira, escaped with a grazed chin.

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not immediately give full details to ZTN, but senior management at Reden Mine where the shooting occurred confirmed.

Tachiona, Chikwaira and 28 other employees went to the mine on Sunday morning,and allegedly forced entry after disarming guards.

The group allegedly confronted Xuelin demanding their outstanding salaries in hard currency. Their contracts had expired. 

A heated argument is said to have followed, with the employees charging towards Xuelin and other senior staff.

“Initial indications are that Xuelin fired two warning shots but the mob did not retreat. He then opened fire on Tachiona, shooting him in both legs.  Chikwaira was bruised on the chin,” insiders said. 

Reden Mining Company has since apologised, pledging compensation.

“As the Chinese community in Gweru, we deeply regret what transpired at Reden Mine in Gweru on Sunday 21 June 2020 when two company employees were unfortunately shot by one of the company managers following a pay dispute.

“What the manager did is his personal behaviour and does not reflect the behaviour of us all as the Chineese community,” said the company in a statement on Monday.

“Meanwhile, we, as the Chinese community, are helping the injured who is in stable condition at a private hospital. 

“Apart from footing the hospital bills, we are also assisting his family during this difficult period.”