VILLAGER NABBED WITH LOADED PISTOL

Tendai Gukutikwa

Mutare Bureau

A 36-YEAR-OLD Chipinge man has been arrested and police recovered an unlicenced pistol and ammunition from his homestead following a tip-off from villagers.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Kudakwashe Wachi, of Gavhiri Village, under Chief Garahwa in Chipinge.

“On August 14, a joint patrol team consisting of officers from the Support Unit, the DUB section and members of the Zimbabwe National Army received information that a pistol had been found at Gavhiri Shopping Centre and handed over to Headman Kennias Mutangiri,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

“The team immediately proceeded to the headman’s homestead where they were informed that the firearm’s owner Wachi had already collected the weapon.

“Acting on the information, police proceeded to Wachi’s homestead to conduct a search.

“They recovered a RETAY MOD 92 pistol with serial number RIYREPOYS 10-2406387. The firearm had a magazine containing four live rounds.

“The accused failed to produce a valid firearm certificate and was immediately arrested before being taken to Chisumbanje Police Station,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

He said the arrest should serve as a warning to anyone who is illegally possessing firearms, stressing that such cases endanger both the owner and the community.

“We commend the community for alerting us and working together with the police. Firearms are dangerous weapons and cannot be kept in homes without proper authority.

“They should never be used as toys or symbols of power. Every firearm must be licensed and those who fail to comply with the law will face arrest,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged villagers to remain vigilant and report suspicious cases of people keeping guns, rifles, or any form of ammunition, without the necessary permits.

“People must understand that illegal possession of firearms is not only a crime but a serious risk to lives. A single bullet can change an entire family’s destiny.

“Firearms are meant for licensed purposes only, such as security companies, hunting, or law enforcement. Any villager or ordinary citizen keeping such weapons is putting the whole community in danger,” he said.

He added that cases of unlawful possession often lead to other crimes such as armed robbery, poaching, and domestic violence.

“We encourage citizens to help us root out the menace of illegal firearms by reporting early. Rifles and pistols in the wrong hands are recipes for disaster. We must always choose safety over recklessness,” he said.