Source: Chinese national fined for selling Zim flags | The Herald
Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A Chinese businessman was yesterday fined $20 for selling Zimbabwe national flags without authority. Weidong Li (28), who operates a retail shop at the Gulf Complex in Harare’s Kopje area, pleaded guilty to contravening the Flag of Zimbabwe Act when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe. Mr Mahwe fined Weidong or five days in prison.In passing sentence, Mr Mahwe considered that Weidong was a first offender who showed contrition by pleading guilty without wasting the court’s time.
“You bought the flags in China and you were selling them for a profit. The moral blameworthiness is low and I will take into consideration that you will lose your flags. They are forfeited to the State,” said Mr Mahwe.
Prosecuting, Ms Francesca Mukumbiri told the court that on October 21 this year, at around 5pm detectives were on patrol when they approached Weidong’s shop at the Gulf Complex, near the bustling Market Square bus terminus .
Detectives found Zimbabwe national flags displayed at Weidong’s shop and being offered for sale. They interviewed the shop manager, Jimmy Kasengezi, who implicated Weidong leading to his arrest.
Investigations revealed that Weidong was selling the flags without permission granted in terms of the Section 5 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act. A total of 314 flags were recovered. All the flags were forfeited to the State.
COMMENTS
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The state is interfering in citizens right to free expression.
Doesn’t make sense. The Zimbabwe flag is available online and does that satisfy the Act?
Archaic as Mugabe himself.
They will use thaes flags themselves at masvingo
Presume he had a work and residence permit to be in Zimbabwe ?
Only In Africa. How can you not be allowed to sell the national flag? Dictatorship under Paradzayi.
Now I’ve heard it all. Zimbabwe is ruled by six year-olds. How pathetic.
“Detectives”. Give me a break. Don’t these begging ZRP street kids have anything better to do?
Change the name of the Zimbabwe flag movement to Zimbabwe Water.
Legislation will be intraduced to ban the consumption and ownership of water.
A time has been reached when comrades can get away with anything.
Inkosi siza abantu.