adminTendai Gukutikwa
AN Allied Timbers loss control manager has landed himself in trouble after he allegedly pointed a gun at a workmate following a dispute over an unpaid debt. Kenneth Gumede has since appeared before the courts for contravening Section 27 (b) (a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09 which prohibit the pointing of a firearm without lawful cause.
He appeared before Mr Langton Mukwengi.
Gumede is denying pointing the gun at Zodwa Chiroodza whom he owes $400.
Public prosecutor, Mr Mathew Chimutunga, told the court that the accused committed the offence after the complainant had approached him in his office at Allied Timbers Mutare asking for her money.
“When Chiroodza, who is a personal assistant to the operations director, entered Gumede’s office asking for her money, he stood up and collected a pistol in a cardboard box which was about four metres from where he was seated.
With the pistol in his hand, Gumede pointed it at Chiroodza and told her that if she kept on asking for her money, he would deal with her. He later put the pistol on his desk and ordered Chiroodza to leave, to which she did,” said Mr Chimutunga.
In her testimony, Chiroodza told the court that she had gone to ask for her money from the accused when the incident happened.
“He said ‘Ukaramba uchibvunza mari yako pane zvauri kutsvaga, ini handikutambise wakajaidzwa. (If you continue pestering me for your money, I will deal with you.) Gumede took a chainsaw from my shop which was worth $750 and he only paid $300 and promised to pay the outstanding balance the next day.
“That was in November 2014. All along I have been trying to call him over the debt, but he does not pick my calls. I have even made an application at the civil courts, but nothing has happened yet,” said Chiroodza.
In his defence, Gumede told the court that he did not point the gun at Chiroodza.
“I never pointed the gun at her, she is lying.”
The trial continues.
Online Reporter