JUST IN: Lone protester Itayi Uthant Makombe convicted
A lone protestor Itayi Uthant Makombe, who caused a stir in Harare after staging a one man protest has been convicted.
Makombe a lone protester, was convicted by Harare magistrate to serve 6 months in prison of which 2 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour for the next 3 years & for the remaining 4 months of imprisonment, he was committed to serve 140 hours ofcommunity service.
He was also fined US$200 or its equivalence on the second charge of possession of a firearm without a valid licence payable by 30 June.
Makombe cased a stir in Harare after parking his Land Rover defender at the middle of the road blocking traffic. He went on top of his car started shouting on top of his voice that the spirit where rising.
Police arrived and assaulted him before taking him and his vehicle away.
On Thursday, Harare magistrate Simon Kandiyero sentenced Makombe to six months imprisonment after convicting him of disorderly conduct. The magistrate suspended two months on condition of good behaviour.
Kandireyo was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service at Chinhoyi Police Station for the remaining four months of his sentence.
On the second count of unlawful possession of a firearm, he was fined US$200.
Makombe has been languishing in jail for close to a month after he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of a firearm.
When he pleaded guilty, he told the court that his actions were caused by stress because of his ongoing divorce from his wife.
The magistrate had directed that he should be examined by two state doctors to check his mental health. The doctors said he was of sound mind.
Magistrate Kandiyero said: “The accused is indeed a first time offender. He also saved the court’s time by pleading guilty. He is self-employed and a male adult.
“However, the court does not condone such behaviour. As the country is in the election season, the accused person’s behaviour might be construed as political.
“A fine would have been appropriate, however there is a need to send a message to the community that the court does not condone such actions.”
The court was told that Makombe, who was playing a drum while seated on the canopy of his 4×4 vehicle, shouted: “Nehanda amuka, ropa ririkudeuka, rinogara richideuka.”
Following his arrest, Makombe allegedly told police that he had a firearm in his possession. Police recovered it and discovered that his gun licence had expired.
ZimLive.com
