News / Africa
Ex-Zimbabwean soldier 'fakes' identity in Botswana
13 Nov 2015 at 06:11hrs | Views
An ex-Zimbabwean soldier, who was recently arrested in Botswana after being found in possession of firearms, allegedly used fake identification documents, it has emerged.
The accusations were made during Mike Graduate Mutizwa's trial early this week when the state represented by an Inspector Mabalane claimed that the accused provided fake documents.
Mutizwa (43) was recently found with a loaded pistol at his rented apartment.
The Voice newspaper reported that Mabalane told a Broadhurst Magistrates' Court that Interpol officials in Zimbabwe confirmed to them that the accused, who goes by the name ‘Mike Graduate Mutizwa, does not exist in the country's identity database.
"We have submitted the accused's fingerprints and passport to Interpol in Zimbabwe and they have confirmed that they only have Graduate Mutizwa and not ‘Mike Graduate Mutizwa' who lives in Zimbabwe and is not the accused in this matter," Mabalane told the court.
He pleaded with the court to have the accused's remand warrant extended, as investigations into the matter to have his identity established, continue.
The ex-soldier, however, maintained "Mike Graduate Mutizwa" was his real name and pleaded with magistrate Merafhe Tladi to have a parallel investigation conducted.
"The police can check with the Zimbabwean Embassy and they will get confirmation that these are my real names," he said.
But Mabalane interjected and told the court that there was no need for such confirmation, as the embassy would still need to verify with Interpol.
The accused, whose documents suggest he is a highly-trained former Air Lieutenant in the Zimbabwean National Army, was nabbed in Mmopane recently following a tip-off.
When the police searched his house, they found a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and a magazine loaded with nine rounds of ammunition.
He was also found with stacks of walkie-talkies and handcuffs, as well as notebooks with military tactical information and certificates detailing his military credentials.
The unemployed man was said to have been paying monthly rentals of P3 500 and the police say they suspect the pistol seized from him, may have been used in criminal activities.
The accusations were made during Mike Graduate Mutizwa's trial early this week when the state represented by an Inspector Mabalane claimed that the accused provided fake documents.
Mutizwa (43) was recently found with a loaded pistol at his rented apartment.
The Voice newspaper reported that Mabalane told a Broadhurst Magistrates' Court that Interpol officials in Zimbabwe confirmed to them that the accused, who goes by the name ‘Mike Graduate Mutizwa, does not exist in the country's identity database.
"We have submitted the accused's fingerprints and passport to Interpol in Zimbabwe and they have confirmed that they only have Graduate Mutizwa and not ‘Mike Graduate Mutizwa' who lives in Zimbabwe and is not the accused in this matter," Mabalane told the court.
He pleaded with the court to have the accused's remand warrant extended, as investigations into the matter to have his identity established, continue.
"The police can check with the Zimbabwean Embassy and they will get confirmation that these are my real names," he said.
But Mabalane interjected and told the court that there was no need for such confirmation, as the embassy would still need to verify with Interpol.
The accused, whose documents suggest he is a highly-trained former Air Lieutenant in the Zimbabwean National Army, was nabbed in Mmopane recently following a tip-off.
When the police searched his house, they found a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and a magazine loaded with nine rounds of ammunition.
He was also found with stacks of walkie-talkies and handcuffs, as well as notebooks with military tactical information and certificates detailing his military credentials.
The unemployed man was said to have been paying monthly rentals of P3 500 and the police say they suspect the pistol seized from him, may have been used in criminal activities.
Source - Southern Eye
