Relatives of people allegedly shot by security guards at a gold mine in Matabeleland North’s Bubi district say they are frustrated by the slow pace of the justice system amid suspicion that the alleged perpetrators are being shielded from prosecution.
Some of the relatives of victims of the shootings thronged the Inyathi magistrates’ court on Monday where Duration Gold Limited 5 (DGL5) Mine shareholder Fransesco Marconati was due to appear in court for routine remand on charges related to contraventions of the Firearms Act and one count of assault where the case was moved to January 21.
The controversial businessman was arrested after a guard at his Duration Gold Limited (DGL) Mine allegedly opened fire on a group of villagers, killing one man late last year.
Marconati was released by the Supreme Court on December 31, 2025 after the Inyathi magistrates’ court and the Bulawayo High Court rejected his freedom bid following his arrest on December 19 on the grounds that he was a flight risk and had a propensity to commit similar offences.
Sibusisiwe Moyo, whose son Thabo Ngwenya (31) was allegedly shot to death by Marconati’s guard Mbekezeli Ngwabi in Inyathi on November 30 on Monday joined other community members, who were in court wearing t-shirts emblazoned with messages demanding justice.
Ngwabi was released on US$800 bail in December by the High Court before Marconati’s own freedom was finally sanctioned by the Supreme Court.
Moyo described her son’s death as devastating as he was a breadwinner, who left behind a wife and young children.
“This issue is very painful. I was in South Africa when I was told about what had happened to my son,” she told Southern Eye.
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“They sent me pictures. He was 31 and was the breadwinner. He was taking care of his grandmother who is 75 years old.
“The people who went to see Marconati after my son’s death said he promised to take the children to school until they finish and to take care of the grandmother.
“He also promised to help with burial costs, but during the burial, I never saw him or anyone from his company.”
Moyo said she had hoped to see Marconati in court on Monday.
“I wanted to see the person who killed my son,” she added, shedding tears.
“The court process is dragging, and it is very painful when you expect the law to take its course.”
One of the villagers claimed that shooting incidents involving the DGL's security guards had become a common occurrence and there was now a perception that they were above the law.
“People are being shot dead in their own community,” said the villager, who requested to remain anonymous.
“We want to know why this is happening in our country. Who will take care of these children now?”
Another community leader claimed that Marconati’s guards were behind a reign of terror in the community.
“We have seen a lot of brutality. People have been shot and others are disabled,” he said.
“We want to know who gives these guards the authority to shoot civilians. We only wanted to attend court wearing t-shirts calling for justice.”
Nqobizitha Moyo (20), said he lost his right eye after he was allegedly shot by a security guard linked to Marconati’s operations.
“I was shot in the eye last year in January,” Nqobizitha said. “I was told that the person who shot me is not in jail and was even promoted.
“My case was reported to the police, but nothing has happened. I am 20 years old and my future has been destroyed.”
Pardon Mangena, a local community leader, claimed that Inyathi police twisted their declared intention to hold a peaceful protest to say that they planned a demonstration, which resulted in heavy deployment of law enforcement agents.
“Our notice to attend court was twisted to say it was a demonstration,” Mangena said.
“It appears there is someone pushing the police to frustrate the process.
“We were told to apply to hold a demonstration, which was never our intention, but we will now do so because that is what the police want.”
He said the location of the police station close to the DGL5 mine raised suspicions that Marconati and his guards were being protected by the law enforcement agents.
“They are neighbours, and there could be sympathy there,” Mangena claimed. “DGL5 is a powerful institution with many beneficiaries, even within the community.”
Marconati has denied owning an unlicensed firearm, claiming it belonged to DGL5 shareholders. However, police investigations allegedly revealed that the firearms were registered in his name.
He is also accused of firing four shots at a driver linked to rival miner Siphosami Mtonsi during a mine ownership dispute in 2021 and the case is yet to be concluded at the courts.
Police had not yet responded to requests for a comment on the latest developments by the time of going to print.
