Zimbabwe police foil Inyathi protest against businessman

Armed police on Wednesday moved in on the Mahamba bus terminus in Bubi district's Inyathi area to disperse villagers who had planned to protest against controversial businessman Fransesco Marconati during a routine court appearance.

Marconati, 66, owner of Duration Gold Limited (DGL) Mine in the area, is facing charges of illegal firearm possession following his arrest last month. His arrest came after an incident in which one of his security guards, Mbekezeli Ngwabi, allegedly opened fire on villagers, resulting in the death of one person.

The villagers had intended to protest against Marconati, accusing him of instructing his guards to shoot at community members, which they say has caused fatalities and injuries. Community leaders stated that they had approached Inyathi police twice earlier in the month seeking permission to stage a protest outside the magistrates' court, but their requests were denied.

On Wednesday morning, four police vehicles carrying officers equipped with teargas, shields, and batons arrived at the bus terminus around 8am. The officers cordoned off the area before the villagers could gather. Marconati arrived shortly afterward with his lawyers, who proceeded to the prosecutor's office, leaving him in a courtroom. He later left the court accompanied by police and his legal team.

One villager involved in seeking protest permission said they were repeatedly redirected by police, despite Chief Superintendent A Tavaziva of Bubi district acknowledging receipt of their protest request on January 14. In his response, Tavaziva wrote:

"This office acknowledges receipt of your correspondence and has taken note of your concerns. I will respond to your letter in writing in due course."

The community claims that Marconati has several pending court cases involving illegal firearm use, but alleges he continues to enjoy police protection.

Marconati has a history of legal controversies. In 2024, he was convicted on three counts of fraud related to misuse of funds from Eagle Italian Shoes to pay for his Mana Pools Safari Lodge lease. In the same year, he and his son Alasendro were sentenced to 105 hours of community service after threatening his former business partner Li Song—a sentence villagers claim was performed by his employees on his behalf. He was also convicted for submitting fake company registration documents to banks.

In the most recent case, Marconati was arrested on December 19, 2025, and denied bail by both the Inyathi magistrate and Bulawayo High Court, before being released by the Supreme Court on New Year's Eve.

The incident has reignited tensions between local communities and Marconati, highlighting ongoing concerns over alleged impunity and the use of firearms by private security personnel in mining areas.