The issue of gun ownership by foreign nationals in Zimbabwe has become a contentious topic, particularly in light of recent incidents involving Chinese nationals. These incidents have sparked a national debate on whether foreigners, especially Chinese citizens, should be allowed to possess firearms in the country. This article argues that Chinese nationals should not be granted gun licences in Zimbabwe, or better yet, should be banned from owning firearms altogether.
The reasons range from repeated instances of misuse of firearms to broader concerns about labour practices and human rights violations. The argument is further supported by the views of prominent figures such as Ndabaningi Mangwana, the Information Ministry permanent secretary, who has publicly questioned the wisdom of allowing foreigners to wield firearms in Zimbabwe.
In January 2025, a Chinese national, Liu Haifeng, was filmed brandishing a pistol at a local employee, Kholwani Dube, over a salary dispute. This incident, which occurred at Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments in Gweru, highlighted the dangers of allowing foreign nationals to wield firearms.
Liu claimed he felt threatened, but the video footage showed a clear misuse of a firearm to intimidate and threaten a Zimbabwean citizen.
This was not an isolated case. In the same month, another Chinese national shot and injured a 20-year-old man, Mthandazo Sibanda, in Filabusi during a dispute over gold dump theft. These incidents underscore a troubling trend of Chinese nationals using firearms to resolve conflicts, often with devastating consequences.
One of the most infamous cases involved the son of Zanu PF MP Keith Guzah, Kevin Guzah, and his girlfriend, Kudzai Nduku.
In 2018, the two were shot by Chinese nationals in a case of mistaken identity. The Chinese, who were part of a private security team, opened fire on the couple’s vehicle, injuring both.Kudzai Nduku was left permanently disabled, while Kevin Guzah suffered severe injuries.
The Chinese nationals involved, Luo Tingpen and Li Yize, were later jailed for 33 months, but the damage had already been done. This incident raised serious questions about the legality and morality of allowing foreign nationals to possess firearms, especially when they are used to harm innocent civilians.
In June 2020, a Chinese mine manager, Zhang Xuelin, shot and injured two employees during a pay dispute.
Kenneth Tachiona, one of the victims, was leftpermanently disabledafter being shot multiple times in the legs. The incident occurred when workers demanded to be paid in US dollars, as initially promised, but were instead offered local currency.
Zhang’s actions were not only reckless but also indicative of a broader pattern of Chinese employers using violence to suppress labour disputes. This case further highlights the dangers of allowing foreign nationals to possess firearms, particularly in volatile environments like mines.
The Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) has documented numerous cases of labour abuse by Chinese employers in Zimbabwe.
In 2014, the CNRG petitioned Parliament to investigate Chinese labour practices, citing poor working conditions, low wages, and unpaid work. These violations are often met with violence, as seen in the cases of Liu Haifeng and Zhang Xuelin.
In 2024, two Chinese nationals were deported after being recorded torturing local mineworkers at Makanga Mine in Bindura. The workers were tied to a truck, hung, and beaten.
This incident, along with others, demonstrates a blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law. Allowing such individuals to possess firearms only exacerbates the problem, as it gives them the means to further intimidate and harm Zimbabwean citizens.
One of the most compelling arguments against granting gun licences to Chinese nationals is the lack of accountability. In many cases, Chinese employers and security personnel have acted with impunity, knowing that they can rely on diplomatic channels to avoid serious consequences.
For example, the Chinese embassy has often defended its nationals, claiming they are being unfairly targeted by local media.
Source: Iharare
