News / National
Beitbridge 'looters' in court
04 Jul 2016 at 02:04hrs | Views
SEVENTEEN people who were arrested on Friday night for allegedly staging violent protests which resulted in the vandalism of infrastructure, looting from shops and the burning of a government warehouse here appeared in court yesterday charged with public violence.
The group is part of a mob of 71 people who were arrested on similar charges while protesting against the implementation of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 which removes a range of products from the Open General Import Licence.
Among those who appeared in court were two men from Bulawayo Nqobizitha Mazibeli (26) and Njabulo Ndlovu (30) and Thomas Mweya of Masvingo.
Others are Hitherton Shoko (44), Daniel Gumbochuma (26), Hendrick Phiri (26), Eddington Matiya (28), Lovemore Mbedzi (27), Edzani Moyo (32), Tshiyoka Muleya (30), Justice Mangezi (32), Miriam Phiri (24), William Rupiya (24), Farai Nyamhuka (23), Nigel Kaseke (29), Raodoff Hurudza (28) and Knowledge Vengesai (39) all of Beitbridge town.
Beitbridge resident magistrate Miss Gloria did not ask them to plead to the charges of public violence and remanded them in custody to tomorrow.
Mr Godfrey Mutimba represented the group on behalf of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
The gang were escorted to and from court by heavily armed anti –riot police.
Beitbridge area prosecutor, Mr Johannes Tlou told the court that on July 1, the gang some of whom are cross border traders, vendors and ordinary people gathered at Beitbridge Border Post main entrance to protest against the implementation of the SI.
He said they ignored police officer commanding Beitbridge Chief Superintendent Patrick Majuta's orders to disperse, since their gathering was unlawful.
He said the gang turned violent, started singing, throwing stones and missiles towards the police.
"They also marched, vandalising property including traffic lights along the main highway and barricading the roads using stones and other objects," said Mr Tlou.
The court further heard that they marched in groups with other people who are still at large, looting from shops.
Mr Tlou said they later proceeded to Red Star Wholesalers' complex, which is being rented by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and set it on fire.
The group, he said, also set fire to four forfeited vehicles which were parked outside the building.
The prosecutor said the gang stoned 35 vehicles within the complex and damaged them extensively.
The suspects were later rounded up by police while targeting other properties.
State Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi who is also Beitbridge East legislator has since denounced the demonstrations saying there was a third hand involved.
He told South African traders operating near the border post that they should not think they can use illegal tactics to force the government to adopt policies that are favourable to them but are detrimental to Zimbabwe.
The situation in Beitbridge town remains calm following the deployment of more anti-riot police who are maintaining high visibility at crime hot spots.
The group is part of a mob of 71 people who were arrested on similar charges while protesting against the implementation of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 which removes a range of products from the Open General Import Licence.
Among those who appeared in court were two men from Bulawayo Nqobizitha Mazibeli (26) and Njabulo Ndlovu (30) and Thomas Mweya of Masvingo.
Others are Hitherton Shoko (44), Daniel Gumbochuma (26), Hendrick Phiri (26), Eddington Matiya (28), Lovemore Mbedzi (27), Edzani Moyo (32), Tshiyoka Muleya (30), Justice Mangezi (32), Miriam Phiri (24), William Rupiya (24), Farai Nyamhuka (23), Nigel Kaseke (29), Raodoff Hurudza (28) and Knowledge Vengesai (39) all of Beitbridge town.
Beitbridge resident magistrate Miss Gloria did not ask them to plead to the charges of public violence and remanded them in custody to tomorrow.
Mr Godfrey Mutimba represented the group on behalf of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
The gang were escorted to and from court by heavily armed anti –riot police.
Beitbridge area prosecutor, Mr Johannes Tlou told the court that on July 1, the gang some of whom are cross border traders, vendors and ordinary people gathered at Beitbridge Border Post main entrance to protest against the implementation of the SI.
He said they ignored police officer commanding Beitbridge Chief Superintendent Patrick Majuta's orders to disperse, since their gathering was unlawful.
"They also marched, vandalising property including traffic lights along the main highway and barricading the roads using stones and other objects," said Mr Tlou.
The court further heard that they marched in groups with other people who are still at large, looting from shops.
Mr Tlou said they later proceeded to Red Star Wholesalers' complex, which is being rented by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and set it on fire.
The group, he said, also set fire to four forfeited vehicles which were parked outside the building.
The prosecutor said the gang stoned 35 vehicles within the complex and damaged them extensively.
The suspects were later rounded up by police while targeting other properties.
State Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi who is also Beitbridge East legislator has since denounced the demonstrations saying there was a third hand involved.
He told South African traders operating near the border post that they should not think they can use illegal tactics to force the government to adopt policies that are favourable to them but are detrimental to Zimbabwe.
The situation in Beitbridge town remains calm following the deployment of more anti-riot police who are maintaining high visibility at crime hot spots.
Source - chronicle
