adminacting chief executive Simba Mangwende and non-executive director Farai Rwodzi, together with Oliver Chiku of Global Satellite Systems were being charged with contravening Section 33 (i) of the Postal and Telecommunications. The Act makes it an offence for one to illegally possess, control or work for a radio station.
Through their lawyers Mr Nikita Madya, Advocate Lewis Uriri and Mr Innocent Musimbe, the trio had applied for an exception to the charges against them arguing that the facts before the court, even if they are proved, do not constitute a criminal offence.
In his ruling provincial magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini concurred with the defence and acquitted the trio.
It was the State’s case that between July and October 27 last year, the three hatched a plan to send messages to the United States, Canada and Afghanistan about confidential data from Government ministries. It is alleged Chiku, who is connected to a Canadian firm called Juch Tech, invited the company’s representatives to Zimbabwe. Juch Tech is reportedly hostile to the Zimbabwean Government.
While in Zimbabwe, Chiku allegedly organised a meeting with Rwodzi and discussed the installation of satellite dishes and other equipment capable of transmitting Internet voice over the Internet protocol.
The State said the two allegedly agreed and Rwodzi referred Chiku and Juch Tech representatives to Mangwende.
Online Reporter