Tiyani Hahlani
Bikita Minerals has reinstated the Zimbabwean employee who had been summarily dismissed following last month’s altercation with another employee of Chinese origin.
EnviroPress was informed that the company wrapped up disciplinary proceedings, issuing final written warnings to both of them.
The incident involved local supervisor Talent Mupoti and a Chinese colleague Wang who was captured on CCTV repeatedly punching and kicking Mupoti in the mine’s bagging unit.
Read more: Bikita Minerals probes employee altercation, pledges fair disciplinary action
The confrontation had raised serious concerns about worker safety and fair treatment.
Bikita Minerals Public Relations Officer Collen Nikisi said the disciplinary hearing was conducted in line with labour regulations and company policy.
“In accordance with labour regulations, the employees involved were brought before a disciplinary hearing. Following the proceedings, they were issued with final written warnings. This action aligns with our commitment to upholding standards of conduct and ensuring accountability among staff,” said Nikisi.
He also added that the decision underscored the importance of adherence to company policies and procedures, while reiterating the mine’s zero-tolerance stance on harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence.
The company’s personnel department initially ordered Mupoti to write a report after which they dismissed him from work, without doing the same to Wang, who was the alleged aggressor. This raised concern about fair treatment at the Chinese-owned company.
Management reviewed CCTV footage and required both employees to submit detailed reports before convening the disciplinary hearing, ensuring the process was thorough and impartial.
The mining company says the incident showed its commitment to transparency, including regular reporting on labour standards, operational practices, and community development initiatives, amid growing public scrutiny of its workplace culture.
