Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A 28-YEAR-OLD Mutare man has been arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of a stolen firearm during a police night patrol near Chigomba Business Centre in Sakubva on Friday.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Fanuel Antonio of Murambi.
He said Murambi was intercepted around 2300 hours while walking along the road before a search revealed that he was carrying a CZ pistol loaded with 10 rounds and a screwdriver hidden in his pocket.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said Antonio admitted to stealing the firearm from a motor vehicle in Murambi suburb.
“The police night patrol team stopped and searched Antonio before discovering the loaded CZ pistol with serial number C953462 in his possession.
“He failed to produce a firearm certificate and later confessed that he had stolen the pistol from a motor vehicle.
“A screwdriver believed to have been used to gain entry into the vehicle was also recovered from his pocket.
“He was immediately arrested and detained at ZRP Sakubva where the firearm and the screwdriver were secured as exhibits,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
Investigations later confirmed that the firearm belonged to Samuel Mudiwa Masemhu, a 36-year-old Mutare resident, who had reported the theft of his licensed pistol at Mutare Central Police Station on August 29.
“The firearm, CFR number 173765, is registered under Masemhu’s name. His firearm certificate was issued in March this year and is valid until September 2028,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
He said Antonio is assisting detectives with investigations.
Ass Insp Chinyoka hailed the alertness of the patrol team which led to the arrest. “Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous and had this weapon not been recovered in time, it could have been used to commit armed robberies or other violent crimes in the city,” he said.
“We continue to urge licensed firearm holders to ensure that their weapons are always securely kept.
“Leaving firearms in vehicles puts lives at risk because if they fall into the wrong hands, they can be used to commit serious crimes. Owners must always be responsible in how they safeguard their weapons.
“Community members are our eyes and ears. If you notice any suspicious person or activities, report immediately to the police. Together we can keep Mutare safe.”
