Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo – In a scene ripped from an action film, prominent Bulawayo businessman Mohammed Daka attempted a barefoot escape through his window clad only in boxer shorts as Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officers closed in early Thursday morning.
The fugitive scaled a perimeter wall but was captured hours later at the Plumtree Border Post while attempting to flee into Botswana .
Daka, who had been on ZACC’s most-wanted list for months, faces charges of fraud, illegal mine acquisition, forgery, and violating bail conditions related to his alleged orchestration of a complex scheme to seize control of the lucrative Fools Gold Mine near Bulawayo.
The Core Allegations
At the heart of the scandal lies Fools Mine (later renamed Sheng AN Mining), a gold-rich operation 18km from Bulawayo along the Matopos Highway.
Investigators reveal Daka systematically targeted the mine following the mysterious 2021 death of its co-owner, former Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Shuixing Xu. Xu was allegedly poisoned and died days after returning to China in critical condition .
Ambassador Xu’s son, Xiaofei Xu, inherited operations but faced intense pressure from Daka, who allegedly:
“Coerced Xiaofei into making unexplained payments while claiming affiliation with Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO),” according to court documents seen by investigators .
The intimidation culminated in Xiaofei Xu’s deportation from Zimbabwe – an action investigators “strongly believe” Daka engineered .
With Xu gone, Daka launched an audacious ownership grab, falsely claiming a 52% stake and citing fictitious debts owed by the mine .
Fraudulent Tactics and Asset Stripping
Daka’s scheme involved multiple layers of deception:
Forged Documents: He manipulated Zimbabwe’s Indigenous Business laws to produce fake ownership papers and created a fraudulent power of attorney supposedly signed by Xiaofei Xu in April 2024 – now under investigation by Chinese authorities .
Illegal Asset Sales: Using his fabricated authority, Daka sold critical mining equipment including an excavator valued at $281,750 for just $150,000, plus a VW Amarok and two Honda Fits .
Sham Name Change: Despite Sheng AN Mining being illegally registered in 2022 without required legal procedures , Daka used it as a vehicle for his fraudulent claims.
ZACC officials confirmed Daka’s arrest followed a formal complaint by Mr. Wang, the mine’s other original co-owner. Wang’s lawyer stated:
“This arrest ends months of brazen asset stripping and document forgery. We have evidence of multiple illegal transactions designed to loot a viable enterprise.”
Wider Web of Corruption
The investigation exposed Daka’s alleged accomplices:
Dumisani Dube, Identified as a corporate rescue practitioner who allegedly helped Daka sell the excavator and file false charges against five businessmen later acquitted by Magistrate Shepherd Mnjanja .
Paul Chakangaesu: An associate operating under multiple aliases (Paul Gono/Paul Samson/Paul Chisvino) who collaborated on the fake power of attorney .
Daka also stands accused of bribing court officials and government functionaries while flaunting connections to powerful figures, including a recent photo-op with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo .
Mining Sector Under Scrutiny
The case highlights systemic corruption within Zimbabwe’s mining sector. ZACC recently arrested two Mines officials for extorting bribes for mining certificates, while Transparency International ranks Zimbabwe poorly (24/100) on its Corruption Perception Index .
A ZACC spokesperson emphasized:
“This arrest signals our resolve. No matter how well-connected or dramatic their escape attempts, those looting national resources will face justice.”
Daka remains in custody awaiting trial, with legal experts anticipating further charges related to the ambassador’s unresolved poisoning and the illegal deportation of his heir.
His capture at the border underscores ZACC’s warning that corruption suspects attempting to flee Zimbabwe will find “nowhere to hide” .
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