A 55-year-old Chinese national has been brought before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court on charges related to the illegal operation of a drone. Pengfe is accused of flying a drone without a valid license over a shopping center in Bikita, Masvingo province.
On August 9, 2024, Pengfe was observed operating a drone at Nyika Growth Point, Bikita. According to the prosecution, the drone was flying between 15 to 20 meters above the roof level of nearby buildings. Police officers who witnessed the operation confronted Pengfe and requested to see a permit for the drone. Pengfe could not produce the necessary authorization, which led to his arrest.
The case was heard in the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court, where the presiding magistrate imposed a fine of US$200 on Pengfe. Alternatively, Pengfe was given the option to serve 30 days in prison if he failed to pay the fine.
Zimbabwe’s drone laws are aligned with international aviation regulations and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). Under these regulations, it is illegal to operate a drone, remotely piloted aircraft, or model aircraft without proper approval from CAAZ. These laws are in place to ensure the safety and security of airspace and to prevent unauthorized surveillance or other potential risks associated with drone use.
This case underscores the necessity for adherence to drone regulations in Zimbabwe. Operators must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits from CAAZ to avoid legal issues. The regulations are designed to manage and control drone operations, ensuring that they are conducted safely and in compliance with national aviation standards. The legal action taken against Pengfe highlights the commitment of Zimbabwean authorities to enforce drone regulations and the importance of securing the required permissions before operating such devices.
In other news – NSSA director highlights the limitations of social security for retirement planning
Shepherd Muperi, the Director of Social Security at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), recently underscored that individuals should not depend solely on the social security scheme for their retirement. Speaking at a NSSA journalism mentorship program, Muperi explained that the NSSA’s pension scheme constitutes only a small portion of overall retirement income.
1. Contribution Rates: The current NSSA pension contribution rate is set at 9%, with an equal split between employees and employers. This rate is significantly lower than the 20% average typically seen in occupational pension schemes. Read More
