By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A Chinese national Yang Zhian has been remanded in custody for murder after fatally shooting 31-year-old Pardon Gumbo an artisanal miner at Long Fortune Mine in Collen Bawn, Gwanda.
The incident occurred when Gumbo and a group of artisanal miners entered the mine to prospect for gold.
According to reports, a security guard, Gift Tashinga Mandeya, confronted the group and denied them access, but they continued prospecting near the slime dam.
Mandeya then alerted Yang Zhian via radio, who allegedly armed himself with a firearm and fired shots towards the group, hitting Gumbo in the forehead.
Gumbo’s colleagues called the police, who rushed him to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Yang Zhian appeared in court and was remanded in custody until March 21, 2025, as investigations continue.
Many Zimbabweans have expressed frustration and resentment towards the Chinese, citing instances of exploitation, mistreatment of local workers, and disregard for local laws and customs.