Zim fines and releases officers

Speaking from Zimbabwe yesterday, Ambassador of Botswana to Zimbabwe Gladys Kokorwe said the three were fined USD100 each for the first count of illegal entry into the country. "The two other charges were dropped, and we have already paid the fine," she said with a voice filled with relief. The other two charges related to smuggling of a vehicle into the country and possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence.

Kokorwe said the vehicle and the firearms were returned to them and that she was now heading for her office in Harare, while the officers were now rejoicing with their families. She could not immediately say what the reaction of the Zimbabwe government was because there were no government officials at the court proceedings.