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 Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
AN unruly Highlanders Football Club fan who jumped onto the pitch to celebrate after his team scored during a soccer match at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, has escaped jail.

Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sithembile Ncube warned, cautioned and discharged the dreadlocked Tendai Danga (33) of Northend suburb after convicting him of causing disorder conduct in a public place .

Danga tried to disrupt a Premiership match between Highlanders FC and How Mine on Sunday.

Ms Ncube condemned Danga’s conduct and warned that he risked going to jail if he repeated his actions.

“Your conduct is deplorable and tantamount to causing commotion in football matches. If you don’t repent from your conduct, you risk going to jail.

“However, today you are simply warned, cautioned and discharged,” ruled the magistrate.

Prosecuting, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza said on August 28, 2016 shortly after 3.30PM, Danga was watching the match at the Soweto Bay when he unlawfully entered the pitch after Highlanders scored a goal.

The court heard that Cleaopas Ngamo and Richard Dlamini, who are Highlanders’ marshals, apprehended Danga and handed him over to the police.

In mitigation, Danga pleaded for leniency, saying he was a breadwinner looking after his wife and two minor children.

He also apologised to the Highlanders chairman Mr Peter Dube, saying he acted out of excitement.

“I am sorry Your Worship, it was not my intention to disrupt the match.

“I was driven by excitement after my team had scored and I found myself inside the pitch celebrating,” Danga said.