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Court Reporter
A Harare man allegedly destroyed vaults at the graves of 14 fallen national heroes who are buried at the National Heroes Acre.
Titus Ruoko (24) was apprehended by security personnel from the Zimbabwe National Army who were patrolling the national shrine.
Ruoko allegedly tempered with the graves of Comrades Elliot Manyika, Lloyd Mbombo Gundu, Charles Njodzi Dauramanzi, Stephen Nkomo, Sikwili Khotti Moyo, Daniel Nyamayaro Madzimbamuto, Fakazi Nleya and Gideon Taurai Rodello Lifa.
He also tempered with the graves of Brigadier-General Armstrong Paul Gunda, Cde David Karimanzira, Cde Ephraim Masawi, Cde Solomon Mujuru, Cde Cain Nkala and Cde Herbert Chitepo.
Ruoko yesterday appeared before magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa and prosecutor Ms Patience Chimusaru indicated to the court that investigations revealed that Ruoko, who is a mental patient, had stopped taking his medication.
Ms Mugwagwa remanded him in the custody of his father to next Tuesday. She ordered Ruoko to be examined by two medical practitioners before the commencement of his trial.
It is the State’s case that on Sunday at around 8am, Obert Ngwenya, who was manning the national shrine, heard some noise and rushed to investigate.
He saw Ruoko smashing clay flower pots.
It is alleged that Ruoko took to his heels upon seeing Ngwenya coming towards him.
Ngwenya, the court heard, followed in hot pursuit and managed to apprehend him before taking him to Warren Park Police Station.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter