Zanu-PF youth escapes jail

Freedom Murechu, a Zanu-PF youth activist who was recently arrested for stealing 10 tonnes of gold ore in Gwanda has been freed.

Murechu, who made news last year together with fellow Bulawayo-based Zanu-PF youths when they invaded several farms in the city appeared before Gwanda magistrate Olivia Mashava-Mashayire facing theft of gold ore.

Murechu, who has reportedly switched to mining after his bid to grab land apparently hit a snag, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, Mashayire cited inconsistences in the submissions by the State witnesses together with the investigating officer as a result making the case carry insufficient evidence against the accused.