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‘Gushungo bomber’: Bail judgment reserved

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High Court judge, Justice Clement Chitapi yesterday reserved judgment in an application for bail filed by a member of the Zimbabwe National Army, who is facing treason charges following a foiled bombing at the First Family’s business in Mazowe early this year.

High Court judge, Justice Clement Chitapi yesterday reserved judgment in an application for bail filed by a member of the Zimbabwe National Army, who is facing treason charges following a foiled bombing at the First Family’s business in Mazowe early this year.

BY CHARLES LAITON

The matter was held in camera in the judge’s chambers.

Borman Ngwenya filed the application following his acquittal by the magistrates court on charges of money laundering and possession of weaponry for banditry.

Ngwenya was arrested early this year with Owen Kuchata, who intended to bomb the First Family’s dairy and pleaded guilty to the charge and was slapped with a nine-year jail term.

Through his lawyer, Exactly Mangezi, Ngwenya denied the charges, saying he was carrying out a military-sanctioned operation with a view to have Kuchata arrested.

In his bail statement, Ngwenya said, while he admitted going to Mapinga, Zvimba and Gushungo Dairy Estates, he had no intention to commit treason, but he had been tasked by his superiors to monitor and entrap Kuchata, a leader of a political party.

He insisted this was a military-sanctioned operation, where he was tasked to work with Solomon Makumbe and kept his superiors informed of Kuchata’s activities and on the day in question, a Major Mashava had been informed in advance.

But, Mashava reportedly disowned Ngwenya when the trial at the magistrates court heated-up saying the soldier was actually under investigations for being involved in politics.

However, Mangezi submitted there was no risk of Ngwenya endangering members of the public or any particular person, since he was still a soldier sworn to protect and safeguard the interest of the nation. Edmore Nyazamba is appearing for the State.