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Abel Zhakata Mutare Bureau
A 31-year-old Mutare man, who was among the 15 people arrested in connection with violent protests that rocked the eastern border city three weeks ago, was on Monday jailed for two years.

Provincial magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura found Trymore Nyamaropa guilty of contravening Section 38 (c) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 which criminalises the obstruction or endangering free movement of people or traffic. Nyamaropa of Number 6 Moody Road, Palmerstone was being represented by Mr Blessing Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Nyamaropa, who was denying the charges, was convicted after the State led by district public prosecutor Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira presented overwhelming evidence that warranted a conviction.

The court heard that on January 15, police officers were on deployment gathering evidence in the city centre when they received information that the suspect was blocking Josiah Tongogara Road in Palmerstone with stones. The officers reacted swiftly and arrested the Nyamaropa in the act. Mr Mutyasira urged the court to impose a lengthy jail sentence on Nyamaropa, arguing that his actions sabotaged the economy. He said the country bore the brunt of such acts of sabotage since the violent protests forced a complete shutdown of industry. Mr Mutyasiri added that the stones that Nyamaropa placed on the roads were a danger to motorists. Mrs Chiundura concurred with the submissions of the State.

She initially sentenced nyamaropa to 36 months in jail before suspending 12 months for five years on condition of good behaviour. The trial of the other suspects was continuing at the Mutare Magistrates’ Courts.