“Gangster”or Victim?Chinese Ambassador’s Post Ignites National Backlash

Public outrage has erupted in Zimbabwe following a statement shared by Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding regarding the fatal shooting of a Zimbabwean man at a Chinese-owned gold mine in Mutoko.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 9 October 2025, and the ambassador’s decision to publicly share the mining company’s account—repeatedly referring to the deceased as a “gangster” has sparked widespread condemnation while police investigations remain ongoing.

According to China Zhuhe Mining, the shooting took place at approximately 00:33 a.m. when a group allegedly attempted to rob the mine.

The company claims that a Chinese engineer, armed with a legally registered firearm, fired several warning shots into the air, prompting the suspects to flee.

Later that morning, workers discovered an injured man approximately one kilometre from the site.

The company alleges that the man admitted to being part of the attempted robbery before dying prior to the arrival of the police.

On 10 October 2025, Ambassador Zhou Ding shared a post on his official X account stating,

“A statement by the Chinese company involved. For your information, @advocatemahere. The final conclusion must come from the police.”

He attached a statement from China Zhuhe Mining, which described the deceased as a “gangster” and claimed the shooting occurred during a robbery attempt.

The company stated that the engineer fired warning shots and is cooperating with the police.

However, the repeated use of the term “gangster” has drawn widespread criticism, with many describing the language as insensitive and prejudicial while investigations are still underway.

Prominent lawyer and activist Advocate Fadzayi Mahere publicly challenged the ambassador, writing:

“Dear @China_Amb_Zim, Your Excellency, are you aware of this incident? Is the Embassy monitoring what is happening presently in the affected community? What is your official position on the matter? We need new leaders.”

In a follow-up post, she questioned the company’s version of events:

“If only warning shots were fired into the air as alleged, how was a person killed? Why did the company officials take the law into their own hands instead of contacting @PoliceZimbabwe? Zimbabwean lives matter.”

Mahere also raised concerns about the timeline.

She asked: “Why were the police not contacted for a full seven hours, yet the company officers knew they had fired shots at individuals whom they now label as ‘robbers’ and ‘gangsters’? Is there any regret for the needless loss of life?”

As reported by iHarare, the backlash intensified online, with citizens, commentators, and analysts condemning both the ambassador’s post and the company’s language.

Social commentator Chenayi
Mutambasere stated:

“Ambassador @China_Amb_Zim — with due respect, your comment is highly inappropriate while a police investigation is still underway. It gives the impression that you have already endorsed the mining company’s version of events before facts are independently verified.”

Other users expressed anger over the portrayal of the deceased.

@McDonald, commented: “Gangster? Referring to the deceased as a gangster in order to dehumanise him? No sympathy or remorse for the needless loss of life whatsoever?”

Academic and political analyst Dr Chipo Dendere also weighed in, stating:

“Repeatedly calling him a gangster does not make him any less human. A human being was murdered. Where is the apology?”

The incident has reignited debate over foreign ownership of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources and the treatment of local workers.

@MinisterMM23, asked: “How is it that Chinese companies own mines in our own country, while we, the locals, see nothing from the returns?

“Mining in our land, taking our resources, and yet you label us as gangsters? Really?”

Technical inconsistencies in the company’s version also drew scrutiny.

@jena1905, questioned: “Warning shots are fired into the air, how could a bullet have struck anyone? Unless he was airborne?”

Similarly, @T_Chakoroma asked: “Were they warning shots or direct shots? Why did they not report to the police that same night before discovering one victim?”

The phrase “Zimbabwean lives matter” trended widely as calls for accountability and an independent investigation grew louder.

Many Zimbabweans say the ambassador’s post undermines the dignity of the deceased and prejudges the outcome of a case still under police review.