Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A COWDRAY Park man got the shock of his life when detectives went from knocking on his door to peeking under his bed where they discovered enough hardware to turn a bedroom into a mini armoury.
Merit Moyo (32) was hauled before the courts and convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition without a firearm certificate or permit.
For his troubles, he was fined US$300 or faces 12 months behind bars if he fails to pay. The fine must be settled before July 17.
According to prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu, on June 9 detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Bulawayo received information that Moyo was keeping a firearm and ammunition at his residence.
Acting on the tip-off, the detectives wasted no time and headed straight to the Cowdray Park home.
Upon arrival, they identified themselves and requested permission to search the premises.
The court heard that Moyo agreed.
During the search, detectives recovered a Fabrique Nationale rifle, a .303 rifle barrel marked “Nitro Proof”, and five rounds of .303 ammunition.
The items were wrapped inside a white sack and hidden under the bed.
For many people, the space under a bed is home to old shoes, forgotten clothes and dusty suitcases.
For Moyo, the prosecutor said, it housed dangerous weapons.
The court heard that detectives immediately asked him to produce a firearm licence or permit authorising him to possess the weapon and ammunition. None was forthcoming.
The firearm, rifle barrel and ammunition were seized before Moyo was escorted to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit offices in Bulawayo.
He later appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Prince Jeconia Ncube, where he pleaded guilty.
derick.khumalo