Chinese National Receives Jail Time for Flying Drone Illegally in Zimbabwe

Dai Pengfei, a 55-year-old Chinese national, was apprehended by police officers on August 9, 2024 at Nyika Growth Point in Bikita, Masvingo province, Zimbabwe.

Pengfei was spotted operating a drone approximately 15-20 meters above roof level without the necessary permit.

When asked to produce authorization for the drone's operation, Pengfei failed to do so, leading to his immediate arrest.

Pengfei appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges of operating a drone without a valid license.

The court sentenced him to either a fine of US$200 or 30 days in jail. This incident signifies the stringent drone regulations in Zimbabwe, which require operators to obtain approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to avoid prosecution.

The case highlights the importance of adhering to local aviation laws and the consequences of non-compliance. As reported on August 14, 2024, by iHarare News, the enforcement of these regulations is crucial to maintaining airspace safety and legal compliance within the country.