Zimbabwe MPs Demand Deportation Of Chinese Nationals Over Cocaine

Zimbabwe MPs Explode Over Light Cocaine Sentences For Chinese

A fiery debate erupted in Zimbabwe’s parliament as lawmakers demanded the immediate deportation of Chinese nationals caught with cocaine, following their controversial sentencing. Legislators expressed outrage over a judicial decision that saw the individuals receive only a small fine, a punishment they argued makes a mockery of the nation’s strict anti-drug laws.

The heated discussion was sparked by a point of national interest raised by Honourable Pinduka during the National Assembly session on Tuesday, 16th September 2025. The MP questioned how a group of foreign nationals could be given what he termed a “paltry” penalty for such a serious offence.

MPs Slam “Paltry” Fine For Cocaine Possession

Hon. Pinduka highlighted the stark contrast between the sentence handed down and the punishments stipulated by Zimbabwean law.

He told the House:

“One found in possession, dealing, selling, supplying, as well as abusing dangerous drugs according to the Dangerous Drugs Act and SI 167 of 2024 should attract an imprisonment of a minimum of 15 years or up to 25 years with a minimum fine for level 10, ranging from US$700 (about R12,600) to US$5,000 (about R90,000).”

He expressed his profound dismay at the recent court outcome, noting that the fine was far below the legal minimum.

“Surprisingly, foreign nationals recently found in possession of dangerous drugs and cocaine were arrested and fined a paltry US$150 (about R2,700), which, in our view as Members of Parliament, is not deterrent enough and it further undermines the authority of His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, in combating the menace and scourge of drugs and substance abuse.”

Hon. Pinduka’s proposed solution was unequivocal. He called for the deportation of the offenders, labelling them “bad apples,” and requested that several ministers provide the parliament with an update on the challenges facing the enforcement of these laws.

Honourable Mureyani rose immediately after and confirmed his support, saying his point of national interest was “the same as Hon. Pinduka’s,” further underlining cross-party concern.

Public Outrage Over Perceived Two-Tier Justice System

The parliamentary fury mirrors a wave of public anger that swept across the nation following the initial reports of the case. Ten Chinese nationals were arrested in a police raid in Harare on 3rd September 2025 for illegal possession of cocaine and other substances.

The group was swiftly granted bail after spending just one night in custody, appearing in court on September 4, 2025. Their case was concluded with a US$150 fine each, an outcome that left many Zimbabweans accusing the judiciary of a two-tier justice system.

Prominent lawyer and opposition figure Fadzayi Mahere brought significant attention to the case with a post on X at 8:06 AM on 13 September that simply read:

“Just look. Don’t comment.”

Former Education Minister David Coltart also voiced his frustration, posting:

“How is this possible that foreigners, indeed anyone, are convicted of illegal possession of cocaine and only sentenced to a US$150 fine? Is there anything credible left in our justice system? The same system allows people like an innocent man, Job Sikhala, to rot in prison for over 500 days for exercising his constitutional rights of freedom of expression? Something is terribly wrong in Zimbabwe.”

On social media, citizens drew comparisons with harsher local experiences.

Facebook user Tonderai Chipindu wrote:

“2 mins bail asi muzimba anogariswa mwedzi ne mwedzi asat apiwa bail (2 minutes bail yet a Zimbabwean national stays for months and months without being granted bail).”

Media personality Oscar Ndaba Pambuka highlighted the contradiction:

“So you are telling me that the Chinese who were found with cocaine were fined 150 dollars only. What happened to the statutory instrument of 15 years? If these guys were in China all of them were going to die.”

Many also pointed out that in China, similar drug offences often carry the death penalty.

Calls For Ministerial Intervention And Broader Accountability

The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised by Hon. Pinduka and said she would instruct Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to bring a ministerial statement before the House.

“Thank you Hon. Pinduka for raising a very valid point of national interest. I will advise Hon. Z. Ziyambi to bring a Ministerial Statement to this House so that Hon. Members of Parliament will have time to interrogate.”

Honourable Nyabani, contributing in Shona, praised police efforts but urged stronger measures:

“Mapurisa vari kuita basa rakanaka, asi vanhu vanobatwa nemadhiragi havafanirwe kungobhadhariswa faindi. Vanofanirwa kuendeswa kuChikurubi zvakananga (The police are doing a good job, but people caught with drugs should not just be fined. They must be taken straight to Chikurubi).”

The debate then widened beyond the drug case, with Honourable James raising issues about the conduct of foreign-owned mining firms, particularly Chinese companies, which he said were operating illegally in areas like Penhalonga, Shurugwi and Hwange.

“We implore the Chinese Embassy to take a closer look at what their nationals are up to in these fields and to show a great deal more respect for our environment, communities and future generations.”

The Deputy Speaker deferred a ruling on the mining issue until the following week. However, MPs across the political divide made it clear that the government must act swiftly to reassure the public that Zimbabwe’s laws are applied fairly and consistently.

Parliament now awaits the promised ministerial statement, expected to clarify how the judiciary and law enforcement are handling drug and substance abuse cases amid rising public anger.