Trial of DRC nationals stalled

Two Democratic Republic of Congo citizens accused of illegally entering the country and possessing fake money are languishing in a local remand prison. Since their arrest on December 20 last year, the state has failed to immediately secure a court interpreter conversant in French, the language the two-Yannic Itore (25) and Francis Kingombe (24) want used for communication in their case.

Local magistrate Letwin Rwodzi presided over the matter when the accused appeared for initial remand before her on January 4. Its not yet clear who will lead the state’s case. However facts are that the foreigners illegally entered into the country on December 16 last year through the Chirundu Boarder Post.

They then allegedly travelled to Kwekwe in a haulage truck and clandestinely secured accommodation at a local hotel.

Police detectives then received a tip from the hotel staff who suspected the two to be criminals. The detectives who attended the scene discovered that the accused had no travel documents. Fake US$100 notes and chemicals understood to be for processing the counterfeit money were also found in their possession. It is understood the two who were also allegedly found in possession of fake gold, had been inspired to visit the city by the recent gold rush at Sherwood Block.

Sources at the Kwekwe magistrates’ court told The Zimbabwean that the matter is still pending as efforts to secure an interpreter conversant in French are yet to bear fruit.

Post published in: Africa News

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