Amanzimtoti man convicted in Zimbabwe after arrest at airport

An Amanzimtoti man appeared in a Zimbabwean court recently after being arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport for carrying live ammunition rounds in his luggage as he was about to board a flight to South Africa.

Zimbabwean authorities also accused Cuan Reed Govender (26) of earlier sending an email to the Victoria Falls International Airport, making a bomb threat, which caused the airport to shut down and redirect flights, including that of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said that after Govender was arrested for the possession of ammunition, state security officials were able to link him to the hoax bomb call.

“Our security services have identified Cuan Reed Govender, a national of a neighbouring country. In the interest of ongoing operations, we will not provide further details at this time. We appreciate Zimbabweans for remaining calm during the investigation. We expect to conclude the matter soon,” said Charamba.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said the Harare Magistrate’s Court fined Govender $300 (R5 800) or three months in jail for the ammunition. He paid the fine and was not charged for the alleged bomb threat.