News / National
Nigerian footballer weeps uncontrollably in Zim court
16 Feb 2013 at 06:47hrs | Views
A Nigerian footballer, who came for trials at Dynamos Football Club before he was arrested, yesterday wept uncontrollably in court after Harare magistrate acquitted him of contravening immigration laws.
Uneke Afamefuna Chukwunonso (25) could be seen crying and wiping off tears with a white and grey towel after Harare magistrate Ms Rebecca Takadii ruled he had not breached the law since he had a valid visa into Zimbabwe.
"This is a genuine case of ignorance on law by the immigration department," said Ms Takadii.
"The visa is still valid and failure to renew his permit is not a reason to arrest him. Instead they were supposed to ask him to pay a fine.
"He was arrested by overzealous immigration officers who thought there was a case against him."
Earlier on and in his defence, Chukwunonso said he had come to Zimbabwe at the invitation of Dynamos Football Club.
"I am a professional soccer-player and was called into the country by Dynamos through an invitation letter.
"I have been in the country since September and Dynamos Football Club had promised a contract if they were interested in my performance after a week of assessment."
Uneke Afamefuna Chukwunonso (25) could be seen crying and wiping off tears with a white and grey towel after Harare magistrate Ms Rebecca Takadii ruled he had not breached the law since he had a valid visa into Zimbabwe.
"This is a genuine case of ignorance on law by the immigration department," said Ms Takadii.
"The visa is still valid and failure to renew his permit is not a reason to arrest him. Instead they were supposed to ask him to pay a fine.
"He was arrested by overzealous immigration officers who thought there was a case against him."
Earlier on and in his defence, Chukwunonso said he had come to Zimbabwe at the invitation of Dynamos Football Club.
"I am a professional soccer-player and was called into the country by Dynamos through an invitation letter.
"I have been in the country since September and Dynamos Football Club had promised a contract if they were interested in my performance after a week of assessment."
Source - TH
