A Beatrice man who was caught while wearing a Zimbabwe National Army uniform in Marondera has been sentenced to an effective six months in prison.
Tatenda Donald Chiwa of Plot 199 Beatrice, and aged 24 appeared before Marondera Magistrate Ignatius Mhene who sentenced him to 12 months in prison. Six months were suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence.
Chiwa was charged with impersonation. Even though he pleaded not guilty to the charges, he failed to prove that he is an attested member of the ZNA and was, therefore, found guilty.
Photos of a handcuffed Chiwa in military uniform went viral on social media.
State prosecutors said that on 6 February, Chiwa encountered a group of soldiers in Marondera’s Dombotombo area and upon being interviewed, it was proved that he was bogus.
Chiwa was subsequently arrested and police recovered camouflage trousers, black combat boots, camouflage jacket, camouflage sunhat and green belt which were all used as an exhibit.