CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU – Zhang Xuelin (41), a Chinese national facing attempted murder charges after shooting his now disabled employee, Kenneth Tachiona (39) and one other over a wage dispute, was yesterday put on further 57 day remand out of custody.
Since the first court appearance, Xuelin has had 14 days (when he was remanded to 7 July 2020), 30 days (when he was remanded to 8 August 2020), 32 days (when he was remanded to September 8) and recently 57 days remand out of custody as he was remanded to 5 November 2020.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Regional Chairperson, Kudakwashe Munengiwa said the extended remands are a sign of the justice system showing lenience to criminals.
“What is happening is unacceptable. The justice system should never show lenience on criminals. This guy should have been prosecuted by now. We cannot tolerate criminals masquerading as business people,” Munengiwa said.
Wellington Davira, a lawyer from Gundu, Dube and Pamacheche Legal Practitioners said he could not comment on anything related to the matter citing that he was just standing in to seek further remand on behalf of the lawyer responsible for the case, Takashinga Pamacheche whose absence was not disclosed.
The tragic incident occurred on June 21 2020 with Xueling making his first court appearance on 23 June 2020. The magistrate remanded in custody to 7 July 2020.
Xuelin never lasted the remand period behind bars after the Masvingo High Court granted him ZWD10 000 bail, a move that equally shocked the general populace considering the charge against the accused.
Bail conditions also included that the accused continues residing at his given Winsor Park home, reports to Gweru Central Police every Friday, surrender passport and temporary residents permit and be subjected to any immigration regulation in terms of the law.
In a previous engagement with the shootout victim, Tachiona told CommuTalk that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Justice should prevail. I am not happy with my condition now and I hope justice will be accelerated. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Tachiona said.
