SHABANI - Guns blazed at Shabani mine when police clashed with striking workers on Friday.Three workers were seriously injured while several others were arrested as the labour strike at the company’s premises intensified. Several others who were part of the gathering of about 500 people sustained minor injuries.
Police Spokesman, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena, confirmed the incident, which he said was politically motivated.
“The workers have been on strike since August but some of them have been going to work despite the action. However, on Friday a group of about 500 people camped at the main entrance barring every one from entering the mine. There was a scuffle with the police in the process, a firearm discharged and injured Madison Zhou in the arm and two others had their legs injured. We are still investigating how several shots were fired during that process in which the firearm discharged,” he said.
“The three are all in a stable condition at a local hospital under police guard as investigations into the matter continue.”
The other two employees admitted at the hospital are Alois Zhou and Simbarashe Leonard Chinadada.
The mine, which has been having operational problems in the past few years, is owned by the African Associated Mines (AAM).
The Human Resources Director of the company, Ray Munangwa, refused to comment on the incident and the long-standing dispute between the company and its employees.
Post published in: Politics