News / National
Nick Mangwana wants foreigners banned from owning guns in Zimbabwe
25 Jan 2025 at 15:47hrs | Views
Ndabaningi "Nick" Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, has called for a review of policies allowing foreign nationals to obtain gun licenses in Zimbabwe. His remarks follow recent violent incidents involving Chinese nationals, sparking public debate over firearm regulations.
In one incident on January 21, Liu Haifeng of Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments was filmed brandishing a pistol at a local employee, Kholwani Dube, during a dispute over unpaid wages in Lower Gweru. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also confirmed a separate case in Filabusi, where another Chinese national allegedly shot and injured 20-year-old Mthandazo Sibanda over accusations of theft at Binyup 5 Mine.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his personal views, Mangwana questioned whether Zimbabweans living abroad enjoy similar privileges of obtaining licensed firearms. He stated:
"In Zimbabwe, we don't have a culture of brandishing guns like some wannabe gangsters. We have a culture of responsible gun ownership. Let's revisit the idea of foreigners owning firearms. I don't believe Zimbabweans living in foreign countries can easily get firearms licenses there."
The Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) also weighed in, expressing concern over what it described as a troubling trend of Chinese nationals using firearms to resolve disputes. In a statement, CNRG said:
"The CNRG is deeply disturbed by the escalating use of firearms by Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe to settle labour disputes. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, including cases of abuse and violence at mining operations."
This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been implicated in firearm-related violence. In September 2024, Cai Yulong, a Chinese national operating Stone Steel Blue Mine in Zhombe, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of a miner, as well as injuring another and assaulting a third.
Cai was convicted by the High Court in Gokwe on charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault. His sentences for murder and attempted murder will run concurrently, while he received a US$100 fine or one month imprisonment for the assault charge.
These incidents have intensified calls for stricter firearm regulations and better oversight of foreign nationals in Zimbabwe's mining and other sectors. The government is expected to review existing policies to address these concerns and ensure public safety.
In one incident on January 21, Liu Haifeng of Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments was filmed brandishing a pistol at a local employee, Kholwani Dube, during a dispute over unpaid wages in Lower Gweru. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also confirmed a separate case in Filabusi, where another Chinese national allegedly shot and injured 20-year-old Mthandazo Sibanda over accusations of theft at Binyup 5 Mine.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his personal views, Mangwana questioned whether Zimbabweans living abroad enjoy similar privileges of obtaining licensed firearms. He stated:
"In Zimbabwe, we don't have a culture of brandishing guns like some wannabe gangsters. We have a culture of responsible gun ownership. Let's revisit the idea of foreigners owning firearms. I don't believe Zimbabweans living in foreign countries can easily get firearms licenses there."
"The CNRG is deeply disturbed by the escalating use of firearms by Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe to settle labour disputes. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, including cases of abuse and violence at mining operations."
This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been implicated in firearm-related violence. In September 2024, Cai Yulong, a Chinese national operating Stone Steel Blue Mine in Zhombe, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of a miner, as well as injuring another and assaulting a third.
Cai was convicted by the High Court in Gokwe on charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault. His sentences for murder and attempted murder will run concurrently, while he received a US$100 fine or one month imprisonment for the assault charge.
These incidents have intensified calls for stricter firearm regulations and better oversight of foreign nationals in Zimbabwe's mining and other sectors. The government is expected to review existing policies to address these concerns and ensure public safety.
Source - online
