Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
JUDGMENT has been reserved for Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in the murder trial of a Chinese national accused of fatally shooting an artisanal miner at a gold mine in Matabeleland South Province last year.
The accused, Yang Zhang, appeared before the High Court of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo where both the State and the defence closed their cases with final submissions.
Zhang is facing a charge of murder arising from the death of Pardon Gumbo (31), who was allegedly shot while prospecting for gold at Long Fortune Mine on March 5, 2025.
The matter is being heard before Justice Naison Chivayo. Zhang has pleaded not guilty and is being represented by a legal team led by Mr Admire Rubaya of Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, assisted by Mr Tendai Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys.
Presenting the State’s case, prosecutor Kudakwashe Jaravaza, said the fatal shooting occurred at Long Fortune Mine in Colleen Bawn, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province.
He submitted that the deceased, in the company of fellow artisanal miners, allegedly entered the mine premises armed with metal detectors and a mattock with the intention of prospecting for gold.
According to the prosecution, the group was confronted by the mine’s security guard, Gift Tshinga, who informed them that prospecting was not permitted on the property. The miners allegedly ignored the warning and continued their activities.
The court heard that Tshinga then alerted Zhang, who reportedly arrived at the scene armed with a firearm.
“Upon his arrival, the accused fired several shots towards the group, which scattered in different directions. The deceased was struck on the forehead and collapsed,” said Mr Jaravaza.
It was further alleged that Zhang and the security guard later returned to the site and discovered Gumbo’s body lying in a pool of blood. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Zhang’s arrest.
A post-mortem examination conducted at United Bulawayo Hospitals concluded that Gumbo died from severe brain injury and a fractured skull.
In his defence, Mr Rubaya painted a markedly different picture, arguing that the deceased was part of a group of about 15 illegal miners who had forcefully invaded the mine and were using heavy equipment, including an excavator, to extract gold.
He told the court that when Zhang confronted the group and ordered them to stop, they allegedly became hostile, advancing towards him while armed with picks, shovels and an iron bar.
“The group began shouting and threatening the accused. Fearing for his safety, Zhang fired warning shots into the air, but the miners continued to charge and pelted him with stones, one of which struck him on the chest,” said Mr Rubaya.
The defence maintained that Zhang then fired another warning shot before retreating to his office.
“A few minutes later, he received a report that a lifeless body had been discovered in nearby bushland. He immediately rushed to the scene and reported the incident to the police,” said Mr Rubaya.
The court was further told that Zhang was a licensed firearm holder and lawfully possessed a CZ pistol, which he voluntarily surrendered to the police together with other firearms kept at the mine.
Mr Rubaya also challenged the manner in which evidence was allegedly extracted from Zhang’s documents and electronic devices, arguing that the process was irregular and constitutionally flawed.
Justice Chivayo reserved judgment, with the court expected to deliver its ruling on March 3, in a case that has drawn wide public attention over the use of lethal force in disputes involving illegal mining activities.
derick.khumalo