Zimbabweans React As Chinese Shoot Dead Local Employee Who Was Asking For His Salary

A wave of anger and grief has swept through Zimbabwe after a local employee was shot and killed by his Chinese employers in Mutoko. The shocking incident, which came to light on October 10, 2025, allegedly occurred when the man, whose identity remains unknown, approached his bosses to demand payment of his overdue salary. Community reports state that the confrontation turned deadly, culminating in the man being shot, with his body later discovered after being dumped. Four Chinese nationals were subsequently arrested in connection with the murder.

The Mutoko community of Makaha was reportedly left reeling from the event. The news first broke on the social media platform X, via the account Zim-Celebs, which posted details that quickly went viral.

“The Motoko community of Makaha was left in shock after one of theirs was shot dead by Chinese employers.”

The post added:

“The man whose identify is yet to be revealed is said to have approached his employers demanding his salary but they shot him instead and dumped the body. The body was later found and the Chinese men were also caught.”

However, police have not yet released an official statement on the incident.

Public Outcry And Accusations Of Government Complicity

Social media was immediately flooded with angry and emotional responses. Many Zimbabweans expressed not only shock but also deep frustration at what they saw as impunity for foreign employers.

“We are now at their mercies, these fools need not be deported but sentenced to prison in Zimbabwe!” — @alista_mapa

“Our government doesn’t care about us that’s why vakupa nyika kumaChina (they gave the country to the Chinese).” — @LongwayMcdone

“Dont worry they will walk free.” — @Slxmmy_Jay97

Others expressed fury that foreigners had access to weapons.

“Why do so many Chinese in Zimbabwe have access to guns?” — @Words10daiWrote

One user, Bhudhi Ghivhi, summarised the hopelessness many felt.

“This Chinese chap who shot a Zimbabwean worker for asking for his salary, will get a $50 [approx. R900] fine and a business class ticket back to China. Zimbabwean lives are simply worthless under ZANU PF.”

Official And Diplomatic Pressure Mounts For Answers

Prominent lawyer and opposition figure Fadzayi Mahere directly challenged the Chinese diplomatic mission, posting:

“Dear @China_Amb_Zim, Your Excellency, are you aware of this incident? Is the Embassy watching what’s happening presently in the affected community? What’s your official position on it?”

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) condemned the act in strong terms.

“We condemn this callous act by the Chinese who continue to operate with impunity. No worker deserves to die under such circumstances. Gvt needs to reign in on them & the law must take its course without fear or favour @PoliceZimbabwe.”

Other voices demanded legislative reforms.

“I believe there should be clear laws regulating the activities of foreigners in our country. Labour and Remuneration: There must be legislation governing labour practices and fair remuneration in foreign-owned establishments, particularly Chinese ones.” — Collins Gwaze

A Deep Well Of Frustration Over Chinese Investment

The incident has reignited long-standing anger about the role of Chinese investors in Zimbabwe. Many comments linked the killing to wider issues of exploitation, land seizures, and environmental destruction.

“If you have a regime that is all about destruction, looting and extraction and doesn’t care about the environment, how can you expect Chinese or others to CARE?? They’ll come and blow up mountains, take over Ancestral lands, dump chemicals into our rivers and mine in our National parks. Because they are permitted to by ZANU PF…” — Bhudhi Ghivhi

Others were even more blunt in their demands.

“We want these people out of Zim now or we are going to unleash unseen violence against them and anyone who defends them. Let’s unite to save our country.” — @Gargamel_the

“Chinese have to be stopped.” — @evansmagalasi

“Our beloved government should urgently deal with these issues decisively. Surely we can’t live in a country where we are traumatised by seeing a Chinese national.” — @NyatiImhenyu04

Scepticism about justice was widespread.

“Joni dai tatorakidzwa mitumbi yavo ma china aya (Joni we should be shown their bodies these Chinese).” — @MrSingzz

“What would happen to an African in China who shoots and kills a Chinese citizen?” — @TadiwaSoko

As the police investigation continues, Zimbabweans are demanding answers. For now, with no official statement yet released by law enforcement, the community waits anxiously to see if justice will be served for the slain employee.