FRANCISTOWN – A Zimbabwean pastor, who was fined P500 or four months in prison in default of payment for entering Botswana illegally, is facing deportation
After admitting to have entered Botswana through an ungazetted point at Matsiloje on October 25 2013, the principal magistrate Sijabuliso Siziba found Shadreck Lovedale (36) guilty last Tuesday.
The sentence was suspended for one year on condition he does not commit any offence that has an element of dishonesty.
Lovedale is a pastor and founder of Gospel Impact Church in Francistown. He was arrested during a church service on Saturday evening.
He told the court that although he did not have any legal justification for having committed the offence, he was forced to overstay in the country to oversee the growth and progress of his infant church.
“I applied for residence and work permits and was at first rejected by the minister of Labour and Home Affairs,” he said.
“I then reapplied and my days were exhausted while awaiting a reply from the minister.
“I wanted to teach some of my congregants how to run the church in my absence while waiting for the reply from the minister, but unfortunately found myself in this situation.
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“I sincerely apologise for my unlawful actions,” Lovedale said.
Sentencing the accused, Siziba said he took into consideration that the accused was a first offender.
However, the magistrate said the accused had committed a serious offence that carries a maximum sentence of four years in jail and a fine of P4 000 or both.
“First offenders should be treated with leniency although the court does not condone their unlawful actions,” Siziba said.
“Also, this court is inundated with cases of foreigners entering Botswana through ungazetted points of entry.
“Nonetheless, your motive in the commission of the offence shall be taken into account.”
Kutlwano Police Station commander Letsholathebe Mothibi said Lovedale had been handed to the Centre for illegal immigrants for deportation.
He said the pastor might be allowed to come back to Botswana to preach after normalising his work and residents permits. – Mmegi
