A worker at Chinese-owned Huaman Investments (Private) Limited in Zimbabwe has claimed he was violently assaulted after reporting a workplace injury to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA). The incident has sparked fresh concerns over alleged abuse, poor wages, and exploitation of local workers in Chinese-run companies operating across the country.
The employee, whose name has been withheld for safety reasons, reportedly sustained injuries while on duty and sought help from the National Engineering Workers Union (NEWU). He was advised by the union, led by Shepherd Mashingaidze, to contact NSSA to begin formal injury assessment procedures.
NSSA reportedly issued the worker a standard form to be signed by company management — a required step before the injury can be officially evaluated. But what happened next was deeply disturbing.
“Things turned ugly when I returned to the company,” the employee told NewZimbabwe.com. “The Chinese manager, Mr Lohua, together with his Zimbabwean foreman, beat us. They threw bricks and iron at me and my friends, asking why we involved NSSA and the union in our problems.”
He said the violence left him physically and emotionally traumatised. Other employees have since come forward, sharing painful experiences of alleged abuse, exploitation, and intimidation at the hands of management.
“I have worked here for four years,” one worker said. “We earn just about US$0.90 per hour, working from 5am to 7pm daily. That’s only US$7 to US$8 a day. We don’t even have proper employment contracts, and if you dare complain, they beat you.”
Another worker alleged that during one such beating, he lost a tooth. Night shift workers, he added, are only allowed one hour to eat and rest. “If you wake up even five minutes late, they deduct US$20 from your pay.”
A former employee, who was recently fired, said he tried to claim his outstanding salary but was chased away by dogs unleashed by the Chinese owners.
“When I tried reporting the incident at Msasa Police Station, which is near the company, officers told me they couldn’t help unless I provided fuel for them to investigate,” the man said. “Even if you report, it’s a waste of time. These people bribe their way out.”
Repeated attempts by NewZimbabwe.com to contact Huaman Investments were unsuccessful, as the company has no official website or public contact channels.
The situation raises major questions about worker safety, corporate accountability, and the role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable employees. Labour unions and civil society groups are now calling for urgent investigations and stricter oversight of foreign-owned companies operating in the country.
Many Zimbabweans have expressed concern over the growing number of reports involving abuse by Chinese employers. Similar cases have been reported in sectors such as mining, construction, and manufacturing, where locals claim they are underpaid, overworked, and subjected to physical harm.
Although Zimbabwe’s labour laws provide for worker protection, critics say weak enforcement, corruption, and fear of retaliation have allowed many foreign investors to violate the rules without consequences.
Workers’ rights organisations are urging government agencies such as NSSA, the Ministry of Labour, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to step in and protect citizens from exploitation.
Meanwhile, observers say the case at Huaman Investments highlights a wider pattern of abuse that must be addressed before more lives are endangered.
