Kennedy Murwira
Mpandawana – Two Gutu men were recently dragged to the court charged with walking into an area which is said to belong to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) 42 Infantry Battalion which is based in Mpandawana.
According to State papers Louis Muzira (48) and Edward Jacob (52) entered the 42 Battalion military cantonment area knowing that there was a real risk or possibility that such entry is forbidden.
Muzira, from Fambi village and Jacob, from Manzanga village, Chief Gutu, were arrested by Corporals Skwilla Misheck and Chiunza who were on routine patrol in the prohibited area before a report was made to the police at Gutu.
The two, who said they were on their way to Nerupiri, said they left Gutu Garage along the tarred road and turned into a footpath without knowing that they were entering a prohibited area.
They asked the court to be lenient with them since they had entered the military cantonment out of ignorance.
Corporal Skwilla told the court that after arresting the pair they interrogated them and they admitted seeing the prohibition sign but did not take it seriously since the area is not fenced.
He said after receiving their admission they handed them over to the military police at 42 Infantry Battalion who in turn handed them over to the police.
Gutu Resident Magistrate, Edwin Marecha, remanded the pair to September 8, 2016 for continuation of trial.
Agatha Gabriel appeared for the State.news
