The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
ELEVEN Chiadzwa villagers recently appeared in court after they aided the escape of 32 illegal diamond panners from lawful custody.
Daniel Nyazika, Midia Nyazika, Tinashe Nyazika, Mike Nyazika, Gift Nyazika, Crispen Mashande, Neyemai Chibuwe, Manuel Zvirimumoyo, Darlington Mwarumba, Albert Mudzimwa and Michael Chidzungu of Chingome Village under Chief Marange recently appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboea for initial remand.
The villagers are being charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in Section 184(1) (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
All the villagers pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to March 15.
It is alleged that law enforcement details who were manning the Chiadzwa diamond fields arrested 32 illegal panners last month.
Prosecuting, Mr Chris Munyuki said after realising that the 32 diamond panners had been arrested by members of the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) comprising of Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe National Army officers who were on an operation to secure the diamond fields, the villagers teamed up and challenged the JOC team, thereby creating room for the escape of the panners.
The scuffle is also alleged to have resulted in the extensive damage of some property.
The villagers were represented by Ms Peggy Tavagadza and Mr Kelvin Kabaya of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZHLR).
