Italian Investor Jailed In Zimbabwe as Court Frees Alleged Shooter

Controversy as Court Frees Alleged Shooter, Keeps Employer in Jail

The legal proceedings surrounding the fatal shooting at Duration Gold Limited have sparked intense debate over judicial consistency in Zimbabwe after Justice Ngoni Nduna granted bail to the alleged shooter, Mbekezeli Ngwabi, while denying it to his employer, Italian businessman Francesco Marconati.

• Bail Disparity: High Court Judge Justice Ngoni Nduna granted US$800 bail to Mbekezeli Ngwabi while denying bail to his employer, Francesco Marconati.

• Fatal Incident: Ngwabi is accused of fatally shooting a trespasser at Duration Gold Limited (DGL) Mine in Inyathi.

• Prosecution Stance: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressly supported Marconati’s release, citing a lack of evidence that he is a flight risk.

• Asset Concerns: Claims have surfaced that the judicial outcome is linked to Marconati’s lucrative gold mining interests in Matabeleland North.

• Alleged Interference: Reports suggest an alliance between Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr. and Marconati’s former partner, Li Song, to seize mining assets.

The legal proceedings surrounding the fatal shooting at Duration Gold Limited have sparked intense debate over judicial consistency in Zimbabwe after Justice Ngoni Nduna granted bail to the alleged shooter, Mbekezeli Ngwabi, while denying it to his employer, Italian businessman Francesco Marconati. This “bail disparity” is particularly striking because the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) formally supported Marconati’s release, stating there was no evidence he was a flight risk. The court’s decision to keep Marconati in custody despite the State’s concession has fueled allegations that the case is being influenced by powerful political figures—specifically Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr.—aiming to seize control of Marconati’s lucrative gold mining interests in Matabeleland North.

The administration of justice in Zimbabwe is under intense scrutiny following this high-profile ruling. Despite being the alleged shooter, Ngwabi was admitted to bail with no opposition. In contrast, Marconati remains in custody. The NPA went on record stating that the lower court misdirected itself by labeling Marconati a flight risk without supporting evidence. Justice Nduna, however, dismissed the appeal, arguing that once a lower court finds a risk of flight, the matter is concluded—a legal “orthodoxy” notably not applied to the guard who pulled the trigger.

Beyond the courtroom, the case is mired in allegations of high-level political interference. Insiders suggest that Marconati’s continued incarceration is a tactical move by powerful actors to gain leverage over his mining operations in the Inyathi and Bubi districts. The reported alliance between Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr. and Marconati’s former partner, Li Song, has added a layer of complexity. Li Song, a controversial figure with a history of high-stakes legal battles, reportedly maintains strong links with the Zimbabwean state, leading to concerns that the legal system is being used to facilitate a corporate takeover.

Profile: The Controversial Role of Li Song

Li Song, often referred to in media reports as the “Cyanide Queen,” is at the center of the dispute. Her history includes:

• Wildlife and Environmental Allegations: She has been linked to the illegal importation of 40 tons of sodium cyanide, a chemical used in mining but also notorious for mass elephant poisonings in Hwange National Park.

• Criminal Charges: Song has faced a litany of charges including fraud, perjury, and money laundering. In 2024, she was accused of evading US$40,000 in customs duty by falsely representing a cyanide consignment.

• National Security Status: While some reports suggested she was deported as a “national security threat,” her current whereabouts remain a subject of intense speculation, with allegations that she continues to influence Zimbabwean mining through high-level political protection.

• Business Schism: Previously Marconati’s romantic and business partner, she was removed as a director of Eagle Italian Shoes and Eagle Italian Leather in 2021, sparking a series of fraud and forgery counter-accusations between the two.

Timeline: Case Progression

• December 9, 2025: Francesco Marconati is taken into custody following the shooting incident at DGL Mine.

• December 19, 2025: Justice Ngoni Nduna grants bail to alleged shooter Mbekezeli Ngwabi but denies Marconati’s appeal.

• December 21, 2025: Deadline promised by the court for the release of the written judgment; deadline is missed.

• December 23, 2025: Marconati’s legal team files a formal complaint regarding the delayed access to the court order.

Key Players

• Francesco Marconati: 66-year-old Italian businessman and owner of DGL mining interests.

• Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr.: Son of the President, alleged to be seeking control of the mining assets.

• Li Song: Marconati’s former business partner, reportedly aligned with Mnangagwa Jr.

• Justice Ngoni Nduna: The High Court judge who delivered the conflicting bail rulings.

• Mbekezeli Ngwabi: Security guard and primary accused in the shooting death.