Wenslus Murape
Zvikomborero Parafini
BINDURA South legislator Remigious Toendepi Matangira’s son, Diaz, has been fined for pointing a firearm at a soldier in a road rage incident.
Matangira, 30, pleaded guilty to the offence and was ordered by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo to pay a fine of US$400 or risk being imprisoned for four months.
He was ordered to pay the fine by November 4. He was also sentenced to two months imprisonment, which was wholly suspended, on condition he doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years.
The complainant was Arnold Musengi, who is a member of the Zimbabwe National Army, and is currently stationed at Inkomo Barracks, Nyabira.
The court heard that on September 16, at around 10am, Matangira was driving his father’s Ford Ranger Raptor truck along Lomagundi Road.
As he approached the intersection of Nemakonde Way, formerly Lomagundi Road, and Harare Drive, Matangira confronted Musengi, who was driving his Toyota Vitz, accusing him of blocking his way.
Matangira pointed a pistol at Musengi and threatened to shoot him.
Musengi apologised but, however, he pursued Matangira.
Upon reaching the intersection of Nemakonde Way and King George Road, Musengi mobilised other motorists and blocked Matangira’s car.
Musengi confronted Matangira, while he was seated in his car, and recovered a 9mm Luger Grand Power pistol, serial number K074273, loaded with one live round from the driver’s door panel.
Upon checking the firearm, he discovered that it was cocked with a live round in the chamber.
Matangira was subsequently arrested and the firearm was recovered.
The recovered firearm was sent to CID Forensic Ballistics for examination.
The firearm is registered in his father’s name. Magistrate Moyo ordered that the gun be returned to its owner.
Mandirasa Chigumira appeared for the State.
Mathew Masinge