A journalist was taken into police custody on Monday after a small drone he was operating crashed into the IQRA Islamic Centre in central Harare.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that Columbus Mavhunga, a correspondent for the Voice of America, was assisting police with investigations into the incident. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a report of trespass and invasion of premises made at ZRP Waterfalls by IQRA Islamic Centre, Harare.
In this regard, a journalist attached to a foreign media house, Columbus Mavhunga (51), is assisting the police with investigations after a Mevic 2 Pro model Lip drone which he was operating along Masotsha Ndlovu Way near Simon Mazorodze Road rammed into the Islamic Centre’s building and fell down.
A misunderstanding ensued resulting in the centre’s administrator Pharoh Osward (53) making a report to the police.
The police is also looking into allegations that the drone was not licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges individuals and institutions to ensure that they obtain licences to operate drones and engage neighbours if using drones for private purposes.
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