PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s neighbour Michael Pazarangu (55) was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to turn up in court to stand trial for allegedly letting his dogs roam freely.
PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI SENIOR REPORTER Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti issued the warrant at the request of prosecutor Desire Chidanire after Pazarangu’s name was called out three times and he was in no show.
He was scheduled to undergo trial over charges of contravening Section 46 (2)(r) of the Third Schedule of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
During his last court appearance on Monday, Pazarangu, made an application through his lawyer Don Moyo for the matter to be postponed to yesterday as he needed time to prepare his defence after the State insisted on the trial as it had earlier indicated plans to withdraw the matter before plea.
Pazarangu, who was on free bail, had denied the charges levelled against him.
Allegations against Pazarangu are that on May 22 this year, Sergeant Mike Dheremete was on night duty at Mugabe’s house along Borrowdale Brooke Road.
After carrying out his routine perimetre checks, it is alleged Dheremete concluded that everything was well, but the following day at around 5am, he heard monkeys chattering and went to investigate only to find a buck lying dead on the ground.
The State alleges that the buck, which had wounds on its neck and genitals, had been mauled by Pazarangu’s dogs.
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Dheremete is said to have informed his superiors before handing over duty to Sergeant Tarirai Mhere, who is the complainant in the matter.
Mhere allegedly saw Pazarangu’s two dogs near the carcass ready to devour it later in the day.
The dogs later fled into Pazarangu’s yard through an opening in the fence separating the two properties, but were later identified by officials from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
