Man sentenced to nine months in jail for attempted unlawful entry at Harare Magistrates’ Court
In a recent court ruling, a man from Epworth has been handed an effective nine-month prison sentence for loitering around and attempting to gain access to magistrates’ chambers and other offices at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Edwin Chapauka, aged 30, was found guilty of attempted unlawful entry by Magistrate Simon Kandiyero. Initially, a 12-month imprisonment term was imposed, with three months suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
The complainant in the case is the Judicial Service Commission, represented by Kelvin Mataramvura, a provincial security officer appointed through a resolution letter.
According to the prosecution led by Mr Takudzwa Chitenderu, the incident occurred on January 15 at approximately 4:50 am. Brian Saitenga, who was present at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, noticed Chapauka attempting to gain access to various offices on the 4th floor, where the magistrates’ chambers are located.
Saitenga closely monitored Chapauka’s activities and alerted Mataramvura, who approached from another direction while keeping him under observation.
The State alleged that Mataramvura and Saitenga apprehended Chapauka as he attempted to open office 465, which houses the human resource department. Upon questioning, Chapauka failed to provide a reasonable explanation for his presence and actions. Consequently, he was handed over to the police.
In his response, Chapauka attributed his behaviour to drunkenness and claimed confusion about how he ended up at the courts. He further stated that he sells sweets along Kaguvi Street and pleaded for forgiveness from the court.
“Your worship, l was confused and drunk at the same time. I have no idea as to what l was doing.
“I sell sweets along Kaguvi Street. What troubled me was how l had arrived here at the courts. I seek forgiveness from the court,” he said.
In aggravation, the State argued that Chapauka should receive a deterrent sentence given his targeting of court officials and emphasized the importance of public awareness that crime does not go unpunished.
