SA based Byo Man in court for insulting Mugabe

A Bulawayo man, Xolani Moyo (26) based in South Africa has been arrested for undermining and insulting the President Robert Mugabe during a drinking spree on New Year's Eve, in the city.

Moyo of 3995 Nkulumane 5 and is employed as a cashier at BP Garage in Fourways, Johannesburg, was yesterday convicted by Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Victor Mpofu, on his own plea of guilty to making an abusive, indecent   or obscene statement about or concerning the President or any acting President whether in respect of him personally or the President's office.

Moyo told the court that he wanted to apologise to the public and President Mugabe for his actions.

He said he was drunk and made  the statement under the influence of alcohol and was not aware he was insulting President Mugabe.

He said that it was the first time for him to commit such an offence and made an undertaking not to repeat the mistake.

He was fined $100 or in default two months imprisonment.

In addition, Moyo was sentenced   to three months in prison, which was wholly suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The State's case against Moyo was that on 31 December last year at about 3.45am, he was drinking beer with friends at Basement Bar at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel.

Moyo became violent after a security guard shoved his younger brother.

Moyo started shouting at the security guard while at the same time charging towards  him.

Moyo's statement reads: "Mina akula muntu ongangibopha, bizani uPresident wenu uMugabe laye ngeke angibophe. Um**** wakhe lowana. Laye umnikazi wendawo ngithi m**** wakhe njengoMugabe."

Moyo was apprehended by the security guards and surrendered to Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Mr Trust Muduma prosecuted.