Chronicle Editor
Tarisiro [email protected]
Police have arrested, a 32-YEAR-OLD man from Newton West, Bulawayo, for illegally piloting a drone.
On October 23, 2024, police officers on static guard duty at a lodge in Newton West observed a drone flying from the gate into the lodge premises. Concerned about the situation, they approached the security guard at the gate for clarification. During their discussion, Tendai Davy Makiwa arrived and identified himself as the owner of the drone, stating that he lived just across from the lodge. He then used the remote control to bring the drone down.
In a statement the Police spokesperson for Bulawayo Inspector Abednico Ncube said Makiwa explained that he had purchased the KY drone online from China in 2023 for US$6 out of personal interest. He claimed he was operating the drone at his home when it lost direction due to strong winds. He rushed to the lodge to monitor its location, as the drone’s battery only lasted 15 minutes, and he wanted to prevent it from getting lost.
Following the incident, a police report was filed, leading to Makiwa’s arrest.
Insp Ncube reminded the public that operating or flying drones without the necessary authority or clearance from the Department of Civil Aviation is against the law.
Bongani Ndlovu