Staff Reporter
A storm has erupted in Zimbabwe following the decision by Kariba resident magistrate Simon Kandiero to grant bail to a Chinese national, Zhang Jiabo, who was arrested for attempting to smuggle gold worth more than US$200,000 through the Kariba border post.
The ruling has triggered widespread outrage, especially in light of recent cases where Zambian nationals were denied bail for possessing small quantities of fish at Lake Kariba.
Jiabo, 24, was arrested on December 8, 2025, and charged with contravening Section 3(1) of the Gold Trade Act and Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act. Although the state—represented by Carren Musiwa—vigorously opposed bail, the magistrate ruled that “exceptional circumstances” justified Jiabo’s release.
The decision has raised serious questions, particularly after Jiabo initially provided a Zambian residential address before changing it to a Zimbabwean one during court proceedings.
Despite the investigating officer’s request for time to verify the new address, the magistrate proceeded to grant bail.
Under the ruling, Jiabo was granted US$1,000 bail and ordered to surrender his passport and report daily to Marlborough Police Station. According to the state, he was found in possession of two gold bars weighing 745.49g and 856.93g, valued at US$93,857.19 and US$109,035.77 respectively.
The case has ignited intense debate about alleged corruption and preferential treatment within the judiciary.
Critics are demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bail decision and for greater transparency in the handling of serious economic crimes.
“It’s appalling that a foreign national is granted bail for a serious offense like gold smuggling, while our own citizens are denied freedom for minor infractions,” said one local resident. “It seems the judiciary is more concerned with protecting foreign interests than justice for Zimbabweans.”
Although Jiabo was granted bail, he remains in custody on an immigration detention warrant for violating immigration laws.
His trial is scheduled for December 17, with a Chinese interpreter expected to be present.
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