8 Zimbabweans flogged at Botswana traditional cour...

8 Zimbabweans flogged at Botswana traditional court for border jumping

Zim Now Writer

Eight Zimbabweans who allegedly illegally entered Botswana between September 5 and 7 and were arrested by Botswana police at different places, including Tachila Farm were reportedly flogged at a Botswana traditional court.

Sources in the neighbouring country said the eight were identified as Professor Phiri, Givemore Mpofu, Ayanda Phiri, Michael Sihumbe, Lovemore Moyo, Khumbulani Ndlovu, Muthandazo Ndlovu and Clever Chuma.

The eight were reportedly taken to Chief Kgosi Ganni Moses of Phase IV Customary Court, in Francistown.

The eight reportedly pleaded guilty to the charge before they were flogged.

Arguing that most of them were breadwinners, the eight had pleaded for mercy, begging Moses to spare them prison terms.

“Entering the country illegally is a serious offence that one can be sent to prison for years. However, since the accused persons are first offenders they will be flogged,” Moses is reported to have said.

Botswana is one of the regional destinations for thousands of Zimbabweans skipping the border to flee the obtaining economic conditions in the country.