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Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer, who was arrested for allegedly conniving with hooligans who participated in the violent protests that rocked Gweru, leaving a trail of destruction, has been slapped with a six year prison term.
Joseph Njolomoli (29) appeared before Provincial Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa facing allegations of participating and gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted after a contested trial.
Njolomoli was sentenced to six years in prison one of which was suspended on condition of good behaviour while a further six months was suspended on condition that he pays RTGS $1 731 as restitution.
It was the State case that on January 15, Njolomoli, who is a prison officer stationed at Whawha Prison Complex, together with other protestors convened a meeting at Mkoba 5 bus terminus with the intention of forcibly disturbing the peace, security and invading the rights of other people.
The court heard that on the said date and at around 10am, Njolomoli connived with other unknown suspects who are still at large to obstruct and endanger the free movement of people and traffic in pursuant of the national shutdown protests scheduled for January 14 to 16.
It is understood that Njolomoli, who was among a group of protesters, blocked Mkoba 5 turn-off using logs, stones and tyres.
The court heard that Njolomoli was identified by a neighbour while participating in the demonstrations and instructing other protesters to block the road and burn tyres.
The court heard that residents informed the ZPCS who then sent three officers to apprehend him and they handed him over to the police.
Njolomoli was being represented by lawyer Mr Reginald Chidawanyika of Chitere Chidawanyika Legal Practitioners.
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