Prominent Mine Owner Charged After Security Guards Kill & Wound Illegal Miners In Bubi

Prominent Mine Owner Charged After Guards Kill & Wound Illegal Miners

A prominent Bubi mine owner has been formally charged by the state, following a violent incident where his security guards allegedly shot and killed one illegal miner and seriously wounded another. The charges stem from the alleged illegal provision of firearms to personnel who were not authorised to use them.

The incident, which occurred at DGL5 Mine in Inyathi on 30 November 2025, triggered immediate community fury and a major police investigation. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) announced the arrest of the two security guards, Mbekhezele Ngwabi (52) and Elisha Matsvai (45), on 1 December 2025.

Community Outrage Erupts In Violent Protest

The shooting provoked an intense and dramatic backlash from local villagers and artisanal miners. According to a report by The Chronicle, the crowd stormed the mine premises, blocked police access, and looted stockpiled gold ore. In a powerful act of protest against the death, they removed a metal coffin from a police vehicle and placed it inside the mine’s guardroom.

The brother of the deceased, Simisosenkosi Moyo, described his anguish to journalists on site.

“He was walking to the shops and they shot him. When I arrived, I saw my brother lying dead on the road. He was shot three times. Left, right, and centre. We are heartbroken.”

Owner Claims Rubber Bullet Policy Was Defied

Confronted by the furious crowd on 1 December, the mine owner, Francisco Marconitti, stated that the guards had acted against explicit company instructions. He claimed the violent outcome was not sanctioned.

“He was supposed to fire rubber bullets. Not live bullets. What he did is completely unacceptable,” Marconitti stated.

However, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) presented a different legal focus in a bulletin dated 19 December 2025. They charged the mine owner, Francesco Marconati, with contravening section 28 (2) of the Firearms Act. The state alleges he gave his firearms to the two security guards on 30 November, despite them not being licensed to possess or use the weapons.

“The two security personnel were not authorized to use firearms, and the said firearms were later used by security guards in the commission of attempted murder and murder at the mine.”

Marconati was denied bail by the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court. His case for exception to the charge will be heard on 5 January 2026. National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, addressed the media on 2 December.

“We strongly condemn acts of violence and call upon communities to exercise restraint. The law will take its course,” Commissioner Nyathi told The Chronicle.

The two security guards remain in custody.

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