Danisa Masuku Court Reporter
A 52-YEAR-OLD bus conductor has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly smuggling seven pistols and ammunition worth R21 400 from South Africa into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Border Post.
Nhlanhla Nyoni, of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo, who is employed by Brooklyn Bus Services, was granted US$100 bail when he appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Ms Gillian Padzakashamba.
He was remanded to November 23.
As part of his bail conditions, Nyoni was ordered to reside at his given address, report to Bulawayo Central Police Station every Friday and not interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.
Prosecuting, Ms Sichelesile Sibanda told the court that on November 6, at around 4PM, Nyoni was travelling aboard a Brooklyn Bus Services vehicle from Johannesburg to Bulawayo while on duty as a conductor.
Upon arrival at Beitbridge Border Post, the bus was taken to a search bay, where a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official conducted a search leading to the discovery of two parcels wrapped in yellow plastic on the front passenger seat next to Nyoni.
“When asked about the owner of the parcels, Nyoni admitted that they were his.
“The parcels were opened and found to contain seven 9mm F92 pistols, three boxes of 50 9mm blank cartridges and 170 rounds of 9mm ammunition packed in five small boxes,” said Ms Sibanda.
Nyoni was asked to produce firearm certificates and customs declarations for the weapons and ammunition but failed to do so, leading to his arrest.
The firearms and ammunition were subsequently seized by Zimra officials under notice of seizure form number 047464.
Nyoni is represented by Mr Ndabezinhle Sibanda of Shenje and Legal Practitioners.
