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Leonard Ncube Court Reporter
MOSES Mzila Ndlovu, a former co-minister who threatened to shoot two firewood poachers before allegedly robbing them of $365, car keys, a cellphone and identity documents, has taken the first step in his fight for freedom.Mzila Ndlovu, a former National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration Co-Minister, applied for discharge at the close of the State’s case on Thursday through his lawyer Matshobana Ncube of Phulu and Ncube Legal Practitioners.
The lawyer told the court in the application that there was no evidence to prove that the former Member of Parliament for Bulilima West committed the offences in both instances.
Mzila Ndlovu has pleaded not guilty to armed robbery and theft charges. Bulawayo regional magistrate Trynos Wutawhashe will respond to the application on Thursday.
Prosecuting, Goodluck Katenaire told how on April 11, 2013, at about 5pm, Mzila Ndlovu came across Vupenyu Gumbo and Lucky Dube poaching firewood on his farm.
The farm is situated near Mbokodo Abattoir along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road. It is alleged that Mzila Ndlovu pointed his .303 rifle (serial number 12698) at Gumbo and Dube demanding their property.
He then allegedly ordered the two men to lie down at gunpoint. Vupenyu took out his wallet in order to hand over his licence.
However, the accused allegedly grabbed the wallet, which had $365, a driver’s licence and three business cards.
Dube had no identity particulars on him.
Mzila Ndlovu also allegedly demanded the complainants’ cellphones. Vupenyu allegedly gave him his Samsung E250 with a NetOne sim card while Dube had no cellphone but had his house keys which Mzila Ndlovu took, it is alleged.
Mzila Ndlovu allegedly later directed the two complainants to load the firewood onto their vehicle and follow him to his house.
The two complainants pretended to follow him but diverted and drove to Emganwini police base where they made a report.
The two allegedly went back to the scene of the crime in the company of the police, but it was already dark. Mzila Ndlovu was arrested on May 19 and property worth only $62 was recovered and the firearm was taken by the police and sent to the Forensic Ballistics for examination.
Online Reporter