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Soldier jailed for poaching

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A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Innocent Chikato, was recently convicted of poaching game animals on farms surrounding the City of Harare and was slapped with a one-year jail term, while the car and the firearm used in committing the offences were forfeited to the State.

A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Innocent Chikato, was recently convicted of poaching game animals on farms surrounding the City of Harare and was slapped with a one-year jail term, while the car and the firearm used in committing the offences were forfeited to the State.

BY STAFF REPORTER

Chikato’s friend, who is also a member of the ZNA, Tafadzwa Sigogo, had been charged with the same offence, but was found not guilty and acquitted by the same court.

Chikato, who is based at KGVI Barracks, will however, spend the next eight months behind bars after four months were suspended on condition of good behaviour by provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe.

Chikato was arrested at Mbare Musika on January 30 this year after being found in possession of six duiker and one waterbuck carcasses in the boot of his vehicle.

The State indicated the convict had no licence or permit authorising him to hunt the animals as required by the law.

In passing sentence, Mahwe said poaching was not expected of people who work in the security services.

“If you are a member of the ZNA, we expect you to be well-behaved and not breach the country’s laws,” Mahwe ruled.

“In passing the sentence, I have taken into consideration all the factors and I am of the opinion that a custodial sentence will meet the justice of this offence. You are, therefore, sentenced to 12 months in prison of which four months are suspended for five years on condition that within that period you are not convicted of a similar offence, for which if convicted you will be sent to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

According to the State’s case, Chikato was arrested at Mbare Musika after police officers on patrol discovered blood dripping from the boot of his vehicle.

He was then asked to open the boot and the carcasses together with several hunting rifles were recovered, leading to his arrest.

The recovered carcasses were valued at $9 500. Francisca Mukumbiri appeared for the State.