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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
THREE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers who were dragged to court on accusations of taking bribes from illegal miners following a gold rush in Chimanimani have been found not guilty.
Witness Maringa (36), Tungamirai Zidya (33) and Takesure Mugauri (44) appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Franklin Mkwananzi facing criminal abuse of office charges.
The trio, who was represented by Mr Benjamin Bhasikiti of Gwamanda Law Firm, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting, Mr Thulani Zondwayo said on November 1, Zimparks senior officials received information that there were some illegal gold panners unlawfully prospecting for the precious mineral in Chimanimani National Park.
“The Zimparks senior officials acted on that information and proceeded to the national park where they found about 130 panners camped there. They apprehended the panners and asked the three accused persons why they were allowing such illegal activities to be carried out under their watch.
“During the interrogation, Maringa threw away an AK47 rifle he had been issued for use while on duty and started running away. The others gave chase and he was apprehended, leading to his arrest,” he said.
Mr Zondwayo said the illegal gold panners were further interrogated and spilled the beans that they were paying various amounts of money to the accused trio for safe passage and being allowed to pan for gold in Chimanimani National Park.
However, Mr Mkwananzi acquitted the trio after the state failed to prove its case.
Online Reporter