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Tendai Gukutikwa Weekender Correspondent —
A NEDZIWA man who resisted arrest and escaped from police custody after being arrested for public drinking will pay $150 fine after he was convicted by a Mutare court.
Andrew Mukono (28) of Mukono Village under Chief Mutambara was convicted on his own guilty plea when he appeared before Ms Tracy Muzondo. He was ordered to pay $150 or risk 60 days imprisonment.
Ms Muzondo ordered him to pay the fine by December 30 this year. Public Prosecutor, Mr Elias Chari, said Mukono was at Wengezi Business Centre exhibiting violent behaviour while drinking alcohol in a public place when he was approached by the police.
The police officers warned him against his conduct and advised him that he was under arrest for consuming liquor at a public place.
“He became violent and resisted arrest. He escaped. On November 15 a raid was made at his home leading to his arrest,” said Mr Chari.
In mitigation, Mukono told the court that at the time when he committed the offence he was drunk and he failed to control his emotions.
“Your Worship, I did not even know that the man who told me that he was arresting me was a police officer. I was so drunk and the officer was in civilian attire. I thought he was joking with me that I was under arrest. I, however, beg for your forgiveness,” he said.
Mukono was being charged with public drinking as defined in Section 116(1)(i) of the Liquor Act, Chapter 14:12 and resisting a peace officer as defined in Section 176 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Online Reporter