adminCollette Mukome
A MOZAMBICAN trader was sentenced to seven months imprisonment after he was caught smuggling goods worth $5 000 using an undesignated entry point without valid documents which also permits him to be in the country.
Pasco Mukonowenhata (32) pleaded guilty of both counts of entering the country without valid documents and of smuggling 13 bales of second hand clothes, 12 cases of fizz drinks,133 pairs of second-hand shoes and 13 satchels.
Mukonowenhata of Machipanda, Mozambique contravening Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which outlaws the smuggling of second hand clothing into Zimbabwe. Presiding over the matter was senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura, while Ms Christine Mwenga represented the State.
The court heard that on January 18, Mukonowenhata was found in possession of the above mentioned goods at Border Stream, Mutare when he was arrested. Asked why he committed the offence, Mukonowenhata asked for forgiveness and told the court that he was not aware that he was committing an offence.
He said, “I erred Your Worship, I pray that you forgive me. I was trying to earn a living through trading. My relatives are here in Zimbabwe, so I pray that if you release me they will help me process proper documents.”
Mrs Chiundura dismissed his plea and ordered him to use valid documents when travelling in the country and to declare goods at the border.
However, he was ordered to pay a fine of $100 for smuggling, of which failure to pay will attract a four months jail term.
Mukonowenhata was remanded in custody while awaiting deportation.
Online Reporter