News / National
Mugabe neighbour's trial fails to kick off
24 Jun 2014 at 06:11hrs | Views
THE trial of President Robert Mugabe's 55-year-old neighbour accused of setting his dogs to hunt bucks at the Head of State's private residence in Borrowdale, Harare, failed to take off yesterday as the State continued to change goalposts.
Michael Pazarangu, who is facing charges of letting his unmuzzled dogs roam freely, appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti charged with contravening Section 46 (2)(r) of the Third Schedule of the Criminal Law and Codification Act.
The case was remanded to Thursday this week for trial.
Pazarangu, who is represented by Harare lawyer Don Moyo, made an application for postponement of the matter to prepare his defence after the State insisted on the trial after it had earlier indicated plans to withdraw the matter before plea.
It was not clear what prompted the State to change its decision at the eleventh hour.
Last week, Pazarangu denied the charge and was remanded out of custody for trial on free bail.
The complainant in the matter is the State being represented by Police Sergeant Tarirai Mhere.
Allegations against Pazarangu are that on May 22 this year, Sergeant Mike Dheremete was on night duty at Mugabe's house along Borrowdale Brooke Road.
After carrying out his routine perimetre checks, it is alleged Dheremete concluded that everything was well, but the following day at around 5am, he heard monkeys chattering and went to investigate only to find a buck lying dead on the ground.
The State alleges that the buck, which had wounds on its neck and its genitals, had been mauled by Pazarangu's dogs.
Dheremete allegedly informed his superiors before handing over duty to Mhere who on the same day allegedly saw Pazarangu's two dogs near the carcass ready to feed on it.
The dogs later fled into Pazarangu's yard through an opening in the fence separating the two properties, but were later identified by officials from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The State is represented by Desire Chidanire.
Michael Pazarangu, who is facing charges of letting his unmuzzled dogs roam freely, appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti charged with contravening Section 46 (2)(r) of the Third Schedule of the Criminal Law and Codification Act.
The case was remanded to Thursday this week for trial.
Pazarangu, who is represented by Harare lawyer Don Moyo, made an application for postponement of the matter to prepare his defence after the State insisted on the trial after it had earlier indicated plans to withdraw the matter before plea.
It was not clear what prompted the State to change its decision at the eleventh hour.
Last week, Pazarangu denied the charge and was remanded out of custody for trial on free bail.
Allegations against Pazarangu are that on May 22 this year, Sergeant Mike Dheremete was on night duty at Mugabe's house along Borrowdale Brooke Road.
After carrying out his routine perimetre checks, it is alleged Dheremete concluded that everything was well, but the following day at around 5am, he heard monkeys chattering and went to investigate only to find a buck lying dead on the ground.
The State alleges that the buck, which had wounds on its neck and its genitals, had been mauled by Pazarangu's dogs.
Dheremete allegedly informed his superiors before handing over duty to Mhere who on the same day allegedly saw Pazarangu's two dogs near the carcass ready to feed on it.
The dogs later fled into Pazarangu's yard through an opening in the fence separating the two properties, but were later identified by officials from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The State is represented by Desire Chidanire.
Source - newsday
