adminMidlands Reporter
A GWERU man has been fined $400 after he was convicted of illegal possession of a pistol. The man, Netmore Kaitano (37) of 4 Hudson Road in Lundi Park, Gweru claimed to have picked the firearm in a toilet when defending himself before the courts. A trial yesterday proved that Kaitano took Mr Jonathan Mutunami’s pistol without his consent and kept it for his own use.
He pleaded guilty before Gweru Provincial Magistrate, Mrs Pathekhile Msipa and was fined $400 or six months imprisonment.
For the State, Mr Kelvin Guveya told the court that on 8 February, Mr Mutunami was coming from his farm in Shurugwi when he passed through Crazy 8 Restaurant along 5th Street in Gweru where he intended to visit the toilet.
Mr Guveya said Mr Mutunami had in his possession a pistol.
The court heard that while in the toilet, Mr Mutunami dropped the pistol but did not realise it.
He only discovered that he had lost his pistol at around 7pm on the same day when he got to his house in Mkoba, the court heard.
Mr Guveya said the matter was reported to the police.
On 14 May, information was leaked to the effect that Kaitano was in possession of a pistol at his home.
The court heard that using the information police arrested Kaitano.
Mr Guveya said a search was conducted and the pistol was recovered in his wardrobe.
Online Reporter