Two Men nabbed for taking photos at gravesite

Published: 2013 February 21 11:05:00 (5835 Views)

Matabeleland South Provincial acting police spokesperson Sergeant Nkosilathi Sibanda confirmed the arrest of David Andrew Joseph Bernard (37) and Guide Ncube (28) both from South Africa.

The two came to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post. The two South African men were arrested in Esigodini area in the Umzingwane District for illegally entering Adams Farm and taking photographs at the gravesite where 16 white farmers killed during the disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands were buried.

"We confirm the arrest of the two men from South Africa. The two were arrested in Esigodini," Sibanda said.

"The two visited Adams Farm in Esigodini last Saturday where on arrival they went to the farm house and met Mr Emmanuel Gwebu who was resettled at the farm.

"They inquired from Mr Gwebu the site where 16 whites, who were killed during the dissident era, were buried. After being shown the direction, they proceeded to the site and took photographs of the graves," he said.

Sgt Sibanda said after that they returned to Mr Gwebu and further asked where they could locate a former dissident known as Gayigusu.

"Mr Gwebu said he knew nothing about Gayigusu's whereabouts and then the two men left," he said.

The news about the two men spread throughout Esigodini until it reached Mr Morgan Nkomo who was known during the dissident era as Gayigusu.

Mr Nkomo then reported the matter to the police at Esigodini.

A team of police officers was dispatched to locate Bernard and Ncube.

"When the two men were traced and found, Bernard stated that among the 16 people killed and buried at Adams Farm, was his uncle, Mr John Russel and that his mission was to trace his family's history," said Sgt Sibanda.

He said what was important was for visitors to follow the laws of the country.

"We are not against people visiting our beautiful country, but we urge people coming into the country including tourists to abide by the laws of the country to avoid being found on the wrong side of the law," said Sgt Sibanda.

Meanwhile, Bernard of Number 8 Pipers Close, Kommietjie, Cape Town in South Africa and Ncube of Number 6 Botch Road, Campton Park, Johannesburg, have been fined $100 or alternatively 90 days in prison for violating provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) (practising journalism without accreditation).

The two were convicted by Esigodini magistrate Ms Lungile Ncube and fined $100 or in default 90 days in prison.

The still camera and the video camera which the two were in possession of were forfeited to the State.

- Chronicle

Tags: gravesite, nabbed,

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