By Fairness Moyana

In an incident that has proved that the country’s justice system is serious when it comes to protecting its citizens, a Hwange man was given a three-month sentence for cutting down a neighbour’s pawpaw trees.

Zamani Shoko (25) of Levison Shoko’s homestead pleaded guilty when he appeared before Provincial magistrate Miss Lindiwe Maphosa for contravening section 140 (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23; Malicious damage to property.

According to the State led by Mr Sifelumusa Fuzane, on 17 July Shoko went to Rueben Dube’s garden and cut down three pawpaw trees in retaliation to the removal of his snares.

Dube who admitted to removing the snares from his garden proceeded to report the matter to the village head who tried to solve the issue.

However, the village head failed, resulting in Dube reporting the matter to the police leading to Shoko’s arrest.

Shoko was found guilty and sentenced to three months imprisonment which was suspended on condition that he compensates Dube the sum of US$30.