Zimbabwean Gold Theft Leads to Shooting: Chinese Man Faces Legal Battle
A Chinese national, Xu Guoqing, aged 60, has been denied bail by a Gwanda magistrate following his arrest on January 22, 2025, for allegedly shooting 22-year-old Mthandazo Sibanda at Binnyup 5 Mine in Filabusi, Matabeleland South.
The incident occurred after Sibanda was accused of stealing gold dump from the mine. Xu reportedly used a 9mm Derya pistol to shoot Sibanda, who sustained injuries to his left buttock and upper right thigh.
The magistrate, Sithembile Ndebele, rejected Xu’s bail application, citing the severity of the charges and Sibanda’s critical condition at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. The attempted murder charge could escalate to murder if the victim succumbs to his injuries.
Xu’s legal representative, Uukumetsi Matjaka Nare, expressed intentions to appeal the bail denial in the High Court. Nare stated that Xu had fired warning shots to deter Sibanda, who was allegedly attempting to flee with the stolen gold dump, and that the shooting was not intended to cause serious harm.