HARARE - After two years, the truth is finally out: MDC transport manager Pascal Gwezwere did not steal 21 firearms from Pomona Army Barracks.
His innocence was confirmed with the conviction of Zimbabwe National Army soldiers Chenjerai Gwirizha and Marxist Mwaruta on Thursday.
Magistrate Morgan Nemadire handed down his judgement to a stunned courtroom issuing a 15 and 18-year sentence for the pair, determining the case against them was overwhelming.
“Whether they wanted to use the guns for poaching or for sale, the motive was obviously negative,” he said.
“The exposure to danger cannot be overemphasized and a compelling sentence is necessary and this must be a clear message to everyone and would be offenders of the real consequences. Only a fairly lengthy imprisonment will be fair in the interest of society.”
Prosecutor Michael Reza said: “I have never handled a case where an accuseds moral blame-worthiness is higher than this one. What message were they sending to the world with regards to the security at the countrys armoury?
There was a lot of planning for them to steal high-velocity guns and they deserve no mercy.
Although Gwezere had his innocence confirmed, the conviction is little consolation, who was originally arrested for the crime.
He will forever live with the scars he sustained at the hands of heavy-handed police force.
Gwezere claims after his abduction by state security agents from his Mufakose home on October 27, 2009 he was viciously tortured in a session, which included genital violation and almost being buried alive.
Afterwards he was detained in a remand prison, only to be freed by the Supreme Court several months later.
Post published in: News