MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—A Gweru provincial magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest for a Chinese national who skipped court after being charged with undermining the authority of the President, a development that has renewed scrutiny over mining disputes and alleged lawlessness by some foreign operators.
The suspect, Jiang Bingqin (43), is on the run after failing to appear before the Gweru Magistrates’ Court to answer to allegations arising from a heated confrontation on a Midlands farm late last year.
The State alleges that on December 29, 2025, Jiang clashed with the informant, Nyengeterai Mapuranga, a farmer from Kinsburg along Matobo Road, over alleged unauthorised mining activities on his land.
The court heard that during the heated exchange, Mapuranga informed Jiang that the land in question had been allocated to him by Emmerson Mnangagwa, and that he held an offer letter to that effect.
The encounter allegedly turned hostile, with the accused angrily ordering the farmer to vacate the property.
Prosecutors say Jiang uttered remarks deemed contemptuous of the Head of State, allegedly telling Mapuranga to “go and stay with your foolish president in Harare and leave my claims.”
The matter was reported to police, leading to Jiang’s arrest and placement on remand on bail.
His subsequent failure to attend court prompted the magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest, declaring him a fugitive.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt, with the case expected to proceed once Jiang is arrested.
The case adds pressure on regulators and law enforcement amid mounting complaints from landholders over illegal mining, land encroachment and confrontations involving foreign nationals operating without clear authority.
