As reported by the Zimbabwean newspaper, Newsday, the victim in the video is an alleged thief and was hung from a loader bucket at the instruction of the Chinese man as punishment.
The man who is believed to be an employee at the Makanga Mine was accused of stealing diesel. Since going viral, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) labelled the attack as “appalling, vile, inhumane, and savage,” as they called for a prompt inquiry into the mine’s working standards.
“This barbaric act is a blatant violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees the right to personal security and freedom from torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment,” the group relayed via a statement.
“We will not stand idly while our members are subjected to such egregious abuse. ZMF vehemently condemns this despicable act and demands immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chinese boss responsible, thorough investigation into the mine’s labor practices, and swift action against any violations,” they added.
The video has since aroused conversations on the treatment of Zimbabwean workers by foreigners in the country and the government’s inaction to such an incident.
Newsday also revealed that a similar incident had resulted in the killing of a Zimbabwean citizen earlier in the year when a Chinese miner allegedly shot and killed a local in Gokwe.
Reaction on social media range from questions about the victim’s character, to the national pride of the men being instructed by the China man. Below are some of the reactions found on X.
