Zanu-PF youth leaders not guilty says court

Three Zanu-PF youth leaders from Chiredzi who were facing charges of damaging property at an abandoned building owned by a white businessman have been acquitted. The trio was set free after a magistrate dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.

Talent Majoni (29), Francis Moyo (36) and Darlington Zirebwa (33) of Tshovani Township had been arraigned before Chiredzi magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera facing charges of malicious injury to property.

The trio had allegedly damaged the property while trying to break into the building.

They are alleged to have tried to occupy the building and use it for commercial purposes since its owner had last used it in 1982.

Mr Ndokera however, threw away the case on Monday at the close of the State case saying that the trio was accompanied by a police officer showing the attempt was sanctioned by the police.

He ruled that there was no evidence implicating the trio in the destroying of property at Govan Enterprises.

The trio allegedly went to Govan Enterprises in September last year and demanded keys to one of the firm's buildings in the town.

The youths allegedly forced the proprietor's wife to give orders that one of their workers accompany them to the derelict building.

The three passed through a police station where they explained their motive and were escorted to the building by a policeman.

The trio broke the gate, some doors and windows to get into the building leading to their arrest.

Ms Chiedza Muhwandavaka appeared for the state.