Online Reporter
Getrude Manyande
A 24-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been fined a total of US$380 for pointing an unlicensed firearm at his former employee during a dispute over unpaid wages.
Keith Cherayi was convicted of pointing a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm in contravention of the Firearms Act by Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube.
Cherayi was fined US$200 or six months’ imprisonment for pointing the firearm at the complainant and US$180 or four months’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of the gun. He was ordered to pay the fines by September 4.
Prosecuting, Catherine Khuzu told the court that on July 27 at about 4PM, the complainant, Rodrick Zhande, went to his former workplace to demand outstanding salaries allegedly owed to him.
The court heard that an argument ensued between the two men, during which Cherayi drew a 9mm pistol from a sling bag he was carrying and pointed it at Zhande.
Zhande reported the incident to the police, leading to Cherayi’s arrest. Police later searched a wooden cabinet in Cherayi’s office and recovered 25 live rounds of ammunition.
The court heard that Cherayi was asked to produce a valid firearm certificate authorising him to possess the firearm and ammunition but failed to do so. Police subsequently seized the gun and ammunition.
derick.khumalo