Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A GWANDA security guard has been fined $100 for losing his firearm during a drinking spree while on duty.
Francis Ncube (43) who is employed by Securico Security Company was convicted on his own plea of guilty to failing to secure a fire arm and ammunition by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Nomagugu Ncube.
He was fined $100 or in default 30 days imprisonment.
Prosecuting, Mr Moses Gondongwe said Ncube assumed duty on December 30 at around 6PM.
He later left his post and went to drink beer with his friends at Njula Bar.
“On 30 December Ncube commenced duty at the POSB premises in Gwanda.
He was given a pistol with a magazine that had eight live rounds by his workmate Mr Bongani Ndaba.
“He left his point of guard and went to drink beer with his friends at Njula Bar. He took a satchel with him and placed the pistol inside and left it unattended in the bar,” said Mr Gondongwe.
He said Ncube returned to his point of guard at around 8PM but could not find his firearm. Mr Gondongwe said when Ncube’s workmate assumed duty the following day he learnt that the pistol was missing and the matter was reported to the police.
In mitigation, Ncube begged for leniency saying he had erred by going on a drinking spree during working hours. – @DubeMatutu.
derick.khumalo