Staff Reporter
Two journalists from Drewmas Media in Harare have been fined for flying drones without proper authorization at Bubugao Mine in Chinhoyi, a restricted area under police guard.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), in a statement released on November 27, 2024, stated that the accused violated aviation laws by operating the drones illegally.
Andrew Neshamba, 52, a journalist and director at Drewmas Media, and Adolf Ramushu, 41, a video editor at the same company, used drones to capture footage of an accident where two miners had been trapped underground on May 2, 2024.
The footage, recorded without permission, was later published on the Drewmas Media YouTube channel on May 5, 2024. This led to an investigation and their subsequent arrest, along with the recovery of two drones.
The Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the journalists to eight months in prison.
Four months of the sentence were suspended for five years, while the remaining four months were further suspended on condition that the duo pays a fine of USD 400.
The NPA emphasized the seriousness of the offense, describing it as a breach of aviation laws and a potential threat to national security.
The Harare Post, following the NPA's statement, investigated the legal requirements for drone operation in Zimbabwe.
To legally fly a drone for video capture, operators are required to obtain a Letter of Approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).
The approval process involves submitting certified identification documents, proof of drone ownership or lease agreements, and an application for the issuance or renewal of a Letter of Approval.
An application fee is also mandatory, and operators must declare the accuracy of their information and consent to the use of their personal details by CAAZ.
Operators are expected to adhere to strict flying guidelines. Drones are only allowed to fly up to 120 meters (400 feet) in height and must remain within a radius of 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the pilot.
Flights beyond 500 meters, up to a distance of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), require special permission and the presence of a qualified visual observer.
As drone technology becomes more accessible, industry professionals are being urged to exercise responsibility and respect legal boundaries, particularly in sensitive or restricted areas.
