Chinese Miner Denied Bail After Shooting Incident at Zimbabwe Gold Mine

A Chinese miner, Xu Guoqing, faced justice after he allegedly shot a Zimbabwean man, Mthandazo Sibanda, at Binnyup 5 Mine in Filabusi.

The incident, which took place on January 22, involved Guoqing using a 9mm Derya pistol to shoot the 22-year-old Sibanda, who was accused of stealing gold dump.

Sibanda suffered severe injuries, with the bullet entering his left buttock, exiting through his upper right thigh, and grazing his right hand.

Guoqing, aged 60, was denied bail by Gwanda Regional Magistrate Sithembile Ndebele, who cited the critical condition of Sibanda at United Bulawayo Hospitals.

The attempted murder charge against Guoqing could escalate to murder, depending on Sibanda’s health outcome.

Post-bail rejection, Guoqing’s lawyer, Uukumetsi Matjaka Nare, expressed intentions to appeal the decision at the High Court.

Nare defended Guoqing by claiming the shots were initially warnings to deter Sibanda, who was allegedly fleeing with stolen gold.

However, Sibanda’s determination to escape with the gold prompted Guoqing to shoot at his legs, according to Nare’s account.

This incident has sparked a significant legal and public discourse, highlighting issues of safety, justice, and labor rights at foreign-operated mines in Zimbabwe.

The court’s decision to deny bail reflects the severity of the allegations and the condition of the victim, setting a precedent for similar cases.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and workers at the mine await further developments, which could influence labor practices and foreign worker conduct in Zimbabwe.