Bubi mine owner denied bail over firearms misuse

A Bubi gold mine owner has been denied bail after being charged with allowing unauthorised persons to possess and use firearms — a case that has once again thrown the spotlight on the proliferation of guns at mining sites and the growing violence linked to illegal and poorly regulated security arrangements.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe, the accused, Francesco Marconati, appeared before the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court facing allegations of contravening Section 28(2) of the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09).

It is alleged that Marconati allowed two of his security guards, Mbekezele Ngwabi and Elisha Mutsvai, to use his licensed firearms at the mine on November 30, 2025, despite them not being authorised firearm holders.

Prosecutors said the accused has since filed submissions seeking an exception to the charge. The State is expected to respond to these submissions, with the court set to hand down its determination on January 5, 2026.

Bail was denied, with the court citing the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the matter.

The allegations are that the firearms allegedly given to the two guards were later used in the commission of attempted murder and murder at the mine. Ngwabi and Mutsvai are at present remanded in custody, facing separate charges linked to the incident.

Prosecutors allege that the security personnel were not licensed to possess or use firearms.
“The two security personnel were not authorised to use firearms, and the said firearms were later used by security guards in the commission of attempted murder and murder at the mine,” read part of the NPA statement.

The NPA said the case underscores the need for business owners to strictly enforce gun control measures.

“This case highlights the need for business owners to enforce strict gun control of their licensed firearms and to ensure they are only used by authorised persons, so as to avoid unnecessary loss of life,” the authority said.The NPA has in recent months intensified public awareness campaigns under the banner #StopIllegalUseOfFirearms, as part of broader efforts to curb violent crime and corruption.

Under the Firearms Act, firearm owners are required to exercise strict control over their weapons and ensure that they are only handled and used by duly licensed and authorised persons.

The case comes against a backdrop of increasing violence at mining sites across the country, particularly in gold-rich areas such as Bubi, Insiza and parts of Midlands Province.

Published reports over the years have highlighted clashes involving illegal miners, private security guards and mine owners, often resulting in serious injuries or loss of life.

Police and Government have raised concerns over the misuse of firearms by private security personnel, especially at mines where guards are sometimes poorly trained or improperly supervised.

Police have consistently warned that anyone found in possession of a firearm without proper authorisation will face the full wrath of the law. Government has also maintained that tightening control over firearms is key to reducing violent crime, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining and private security.