adminMbizo Ncube (44), a chief inspector attached to the Gwanda Police transport department as an administrator and residing at the ZRP Flat Number Two, New Camp in Gwanda, was not asked to plead to charges of contravening sections 28 (2) and 29 (1) as read with section 29 (2) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09 (failure to secure a firearm as well as failure to report loss of firearm within the stipulated 24 hours).
Ncube appeared before Gwanda magistrate Mr Innocent Bepura.
He was remanded out of custody on his own cognisance to tomorrow for trial.
The prosecutor, Mr Mazwi Goto, said on 31 January, Ncube booked out a service pistol, Vzor serial number 31387 from the provincial armoury. He then took the firearm to his house where there was no gun cabinet.
The court heard that three days later, Ncube took the pistol out of his house and put it in the dashboard compartment of his car before embarking on a journey to Masvingo.
He made a stopover in Filabusi to buy some refreshments leaving the car unlocked.
On his return to the car, he found the dashboard compartment open and the firearm missing. He, however, failed to report the matter to the police within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the law.
Ncube only reported the matter on 5 February leading to his arrest.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu