A storm erupted in Zimbabwe’s National Assembly this week as lawmakers angrily demanded the deportation of ten Chinese nationals convicted of cocaine possession, following a controversial sentencing that has shaken public confidence in the justice system. The heated debate underscored mounting frustration over what legislators and citizens alike view as a lenient punishment that makes a mockery of the country’s anti-drug laws.
The uproar was triggered during Tuesday’s session on 16 September 2025 when Honourable Pinduka rose on a point of national interest. He questioned how individuals caught with dangerous drugs could walk free after paying what he described as a “paltry” penalty of US$150 each.
Pinduka reminded the House that Zimbabwe’s Dangerous Drugs Act and Statutory Instrument 167 of 2024 provide for stiff punishments. Under the law, anyone found in possession of cocaine or similar substances faces a minimum prison term of 15 years, rising to 25 years, or a fine ranging from US$700 to US$5,000.
“Surprisingly, foreign nationals recently found in possession of dangerous drugs and cocaine were arrested and fined a paltry US$150, which in our view is not deterrent enough,” Pinduka declared. “This undermines the authority of His Excellency, the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, in combating the scourge of drugs and substance abuse.”
He called for the immediate deportation of the offenders, labelling them “bad apples” and urged ministers responsible for justice and security to account for the glaring inconsistency in law enforcement.
His remarks received immediate backing from Honourable Mureyani, who echoed the call for tougher measures, saying his point of national interest was “the same as Hon. Pinduka’s.”
Zimbabwe MPs Demand Deportation of Chinese Nationals Over Cocaine Scandal
The parliamentary uproar reflected widespread public dismay following the case. The ten Chinese nationals had been arrested in Harare on 3 September during a police raid targeting drug dealers. After just one night in custody, they appeared in court on 4 September and were fined US$150 each, before being released.
The outcome provoked an avalanche of criticism on social media. Prominent lawyer and opposition figure Fadzayi Mahere condemned the judgment, while former Education Minister David Coltart went further, contrasting the leniency shown to foreigners with the harsh treatment of local opposition figures.
“How is this possible that foreigners, indeed anyone, are convicted of illegal possession of cocaine and only sentenced to a US$150 fine?” Coltart posted on X. “The same system allows people like Job Sikhala to rot in prison for over 500 days for exercising his constitutional rights. Something is terribly wrong in Zimbabwe.”
Citizens voiced similar frustrations online. One Facebook user, Tonderai Chipindu, wrote in Shona: “2 mins bail asi muzimba anogariswa mwedzi ne mwedzi asat apiwa bail” (Two minutes bail for foreigners, yet a Zimbabwean national is kept for months without being granted bail). Media personality Oscar Pambuka added: “If these guys were in China, all of them were going to die. Yet here they walk free with a $150 fine.”
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and promised action. She announced that Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi would be instructed to deliver a ministerial statement to Parliament, giving MPs an opportunity to question the handling of the case.
“Thank you Hon. Pinduka for raising a very valid point of national interest,” she said. “I will advise Hon. Z. Ziyambi to bring a statement so that Members of Parliament can interrogate this matter.”
Other lawmakers weighed in forcefully. Honourable Nyabani, speaking partly in Shona, praised the police for their efforts but insisted that drug offenders should face harsher penalties: “Vanhu vanobatwa nemadhiragi havafanirwe kungobhadhariswa faindi. Vanofanirwa kuendeswa kuChikurubi zvakananga” (Those caught with drugs should not just be fined—they must be sent straight to Chikurubi).
The drug scandal also reignited broader concerns about the conduct of some Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. Honourable James broadened the debate to include mining operations, accusing certain foreign-owned firms of operating illegally in mineral-rich regions such as Penhalonga, Shurugwi, and Hwange.
“We implore the Chinese Embassy to take a closer look at what their nationals are doing in these areas and to show greater respect for our environment, our communities, and our future generations,” James told the House.
Although the Deputy Speaker deferred discussion on the mining issue to the following week, the sentiment was clear: across the political divide, MPs are demanding that government act decisively against foreign nationals who break Zimbabwean laws.
The debate has left the judiciary under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing it of applying a double standard—treating foreign nationals with leniency while locals face the full brunt of the law.
For many Zimbabweans, the case has become a litmus test of whether authorities are serious about stamping out drug abuse, which has been described by President Mnangagwa himself as a national crisis.
As the dust settles, all eyes now turn to the Justice Ministry’s promised statement. For lawmakers and the public alike, only one outcome will suffice: the assurance that Zimbabwe’s justice system upholds the rule of law equally, regardless of nationality, wealth, or political connections.
Source- iHarare
