Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A 25-YEAR-OLD Mutare businessman appeared before magistrate, Mr Honest Musiiwa, facing allegations of pointing a loaded pistol at a fellow businessman during a dispute over money linked to a business deal.
Michael Mandela was not asked to plead when he appeared in court on charges of contravening Section 279(b) of the Firearms Act [Chapter 10:09], which criminalises knowingly and unlawfully pointing a firearm at another person.
Mr Chris Munyuku prosecuted.
The court heard that the incident allegedly happened on September 4 at around 2pm at Encan Mine, where the complainant, Mr Enican Garreth, works.
According to the State, Mandela and Mr Garreth, who are involved in a business venture dealing in boilers at the mine, met to discuss a transaction.
However, a disagreement reportedly arose over money that Mandela claimed was owed to him.
Mr Munyuku said during the heated exchange, Mandela drew a black ARM 9 pistol, Serial Number TL293-25A00545, loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, and pointed it at Mr Garreth’s head.
Feeling threatened, Mr Garreth reported the matter to the police.
Police officers attended the scene and arrested Mandela. The firearm, which is registered in Mandela’s name, was recovered and seized as evidence.
“The accused person produced a black pistol, serial number TL293-25A00545, loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition and threateningly pointed it at the complainant’s head. The firearm is registered in the accused person’s name. The recovered firearm is being kept as an exhibit and may be produced in court as evidence,” said Mr Munyuku.
Mandela was granted bail of US$150, and is expected to return to court later this week for routine remand proceedings.
