Chrispen Chebundo
The trial and conviction of some people who looted and burnt shops during violent protests that rocked the country a fortnight ago is a vindication of what government authorities have been saying all along that had it not been security forces interventions, more serious acts of violence could have happened. This exposes the unjustified and unwarranted criticism of the security forces for their intervention by certain political groups and non-governmental organizations.
Since the debilitating violent protests and the subsequent looting of businesses, mainly in Bulawayo and Harare, the police have managed to track down and apprehend culprits, resulting in trials and subsequent convictions. True to the Shona adage that says “Mhosva hairovi” (the law has a long arm), all perpetrators of violence and looters will be caught and brought to book.
Reports indicate that over 1 000 people have since been arrested in connection with the acts of hooliganism that characterized the demonstrations. Some of the accused persons are awaiting trial while others have since been convicted.
Among the convicted is the infamous Bulawayo man whose video went viral on social media after he was caught pushing an ox-drawn plough he stole from a shop at Entumbane Shopping Complex during the looting spree. The man, one Polite Weza (35), was convicted on his own plea of guilty to public violence and theft by Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Sithembiso Ncube and was sentenced to 5 years in jail.
In a separate case, three Bulawayo men who were part of a gang of hooligans that looted and burnt shops during the violent protests were on Friday sentenced to a combined 7 years. The three are Liberty Moyo (28), Clarence Mudavanhu (34) and Witness Ndlovu (42). Moyo and Mudavanhu appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Trynos Utawashe while Ndlovu was tried by Mr Chrispen Mberere.
In Harare, six men who burnt a Zupco bus and a car belonging to Chegutu East legislator Webster Shamu’s wife during the protests were jailed a combined 32 years by Harare Magistrate, Mr Elijah Makomo. Elsewhere, four people who also took part in the protests were also jailed five years at Mbare Magistrates’ courts.
While the jury may still be out on many other cases, it is imperative that the public be made aware that nothing can ever justify the wanton looting of other people’s property that took place during the unfortunate period. The security forces will always be on high alert to ensure that property and life is always protected.
