Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A Chinese miner
accused of sh00ting a Zimbabwean man over allegations of stealing gold dump has
been denied bail by a Gwanda magistrate.
Xu Guoqing, 60, was arrested on January 22 after allegedly sh00ting
22-year-old Mthandazo Sibanda at Binnyup 5 Mine in Filabusi, Matabeleland
South. The incident reportedly involved a 9mm Derya pistol.
Court documents obtained by ZimLive detail the sh00ting, revealing that
Sibanda was struck from behind, with the bullet hitting his left buttock and
exiting through his upper right thigh. The projectile also grazed his right
hand during its trajectory.
Guoqing’s lawyer, Uukumetsi Matjaka Nare, told the court that the
accused initially fired warning shots to deter Sibanda, who was allegedly
fleeing with stolen gold dump. However, Guoqing then aimed at Sibanda’s legs,
resulting in the injuries.
During the bail hearing, Gwanda Regional Magistrate Sithembile Ndebele
rejected Guoqing’s application on Monday, citing the victim’s critical
condition at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. “The attempted murder charge
against the accused could escalate to murder if the victim succumbs to his
injuries,” Ndebele stated.
Sibanda remains in a life-threatening condition, with medical staff
closely monitoring him at the hospital.
Following the ruling, Guoqing’s legal team announced plans to appeal the decision in the High Court. “We intend to file an appeal against the decision,” Nare said outside the courtroom.
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