By Patience Gondo
A Chinese national, Li Youbin (52) who became a little too touching was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday for allegedly indecently assaulting a female passenger aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai on 21 November.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred around 0900hrs (Dubai time) on Emirates flight EK713, where Li and the complainant were sat next to each other, the woman by the window.
NPAZ said Li attempted to initiate a conversation and when the complainant declined, he allegedly began touching her thighs and buttocks, prompting her to scream for help.
Flight attendants were immediately alerted and secured her safety until arrival.
At approximately 1700hrs, when the aircraft landed in Harare, the matter was reported to police at RGM International Airport, leading to Li’s arrest moments later.
Prosecutors have opposed bail, arguing that Li is a flight risk.
Investigations are expected to be completed by 1 December 2025.
The case falls under Zimbabwe’s jurisdiction because international aviation law allows countries to prosecute offences committed aboard aircraft that land within their territory. Zimbabwean authorities have in recent years tightened enforcement against in flight crimes, repeatedly warning passengers that air travel is not exempt from national criminal law.
NPA reminded travellers that aircraft cabins are not law-free spaces and said that any offender local or foreign will face the full force of Zimbabwe’s law for crimes committed mid-air.