February 9, 2016

Man accused of trying to bomb Pres. Mugabe dairy farm pleads guilty


The opposition Zimbabwe People Front leader Owen Kuchata, who allegedly tried to bomb President Robert Mugabe's dairy farm last month, has changed his plea bargain of not guilty to guilty, as he awaits sentencing on Tuesday

The Herald newspaper revealed that Kuchata, 34, changed his plea of not guilty on Friday after being hauled before a magistrate in Harare.

Kuchata, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of terrorism, arguing that the Alpha Omega dairy farm in Mazoe was not a government property, but president Mugabe's private property, the report said.

According to New Zimbabwe.com, Kuchata declared that destroying Mugabe's property was the "rightful thing" to do.

"We wanted to bomb Mugabe's private property because Robert Mugabe is causing disorder and problems in this country; and it was my idea. I had the right to do so because I’m working for the interests of people of this nation," Kuchata was quoted as saying.

According to reports, last month four men, including two soldiers, allegedly planned to detonate four petrol bombs at the Gushungo Dairy processing plant in Mazoe.  

They were allegedly found in possession of four 750ml brandy bottles containing petrol, ammonium nitrate, nails, and sand.

Detectives got wind of the men's plans and arrested them. The four men were initially charged with illegal possession of weaponry, sabotage, money laundering and terrorism. However, last week on Wednesday, the charge was change into a more serious case of treason.

Mugabe and his wife Grace own the multi-million-dollar dairy and processing plant where they produce milk, ice cream, chocolate and other products.
Source: News24

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