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MIRROR REPORTER

CHIREDZI – An ex- South African Soldier, Fanie Frank Manzini has appeared at Chiredzi Regional Court where he is facing charges for attempted robbery.

There are not many cases of South Africans crossing the border into Zimbabwe to carry out crime. However, Zimbabweans have triggered xenophobia down South because many have been implicated in armed robberies there.

The court heard that Manzini who appeared in court on Thursday last week was arrested at Ngundu Business Center in August last year.

He pleaded not guilty and said he was a businessman and he was arrested in Zimbabwe after he came to look for investment opportunities.

Manzini (54) of 10 St Peter’s Mansions, Bellevue, Johannesburg was arrested on 12 August, 2022 together with Jacob Gwenhamo (38) and Talkmore Maruva (38) of Matumbwani Village, Headman Masunda. They were found with a firearm loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.

They appeared before Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu.

Manzini said he was a business partner with Talkmore Maruva and their partnership dates back some years back.

“I was here for business with Maruva whom I had met years back in SA during the construction of FNB Stadium. Maruva had a construction company so I was transporting his workers, that’s how our relationship started,” said Manzini.

The trio was arrested after Police got a tip off that there were people who were armed roaming around at Ngundu.

Manzini was found in possession of Glock 17×19mm Calibre Austria Pistol Serial Number BH2Y094 loaded with 11 rounds.

During cross examination, Manzini told the court that the gun was meant for his protection since the business world is harsh.

The trio was remanded in custody to January 12, 2023 for continuation of trial. Noel Muranda prosecuted.