A CHINESE national has been dragged to court for illegally flying a drone over a shopping centre in Bikita, Masvingo province.
Dai Pengfe (55) appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court facing charges of operating a drone without a valid licence.
Facts put across by the prosecution are that on August 9, 2024, at Nyika Growth Point, Bikita, the accused person was spotted by police officers flying a remotely operated aircraft, which had risen to between 15-20 metres above roof level.
The court further heard that the police details confronted Pengfe and asked him to produce a permit allowing him authority to operate the device and he failed to do so, leading to his arrest.
The presiding magistrate slapped Pengfe with a US$200 fine or 30 days imprisonment.
Drone laws and regulations in Zimbabwe are closely modelled on existing aviation laws. To avoid prosecution, the legislation must be adhered to, without exception.
It is illegal to fly or operate a drone or remotely piloted aircraft, toy or model aircraft without approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). — NewZimbabwe
