Ex-Zimbabwean soldier arrested with war weapons in Botswana

Police in Botswana have reportedly arrested an armed former Zimbabwean soldier at his rented house in Mmopane Block 1 in that country.

Botswana newspaper The Voice reported yesterday that Mike Graduate Mutizwa (43) appeared at the Broadhurst Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with two counts of unlawful possession of arms of war.

Detective Superintendent Sergeant Marapo, who led the operation, pleaded with the court to have the suspect remanded in custody saying he was "too dangerous" to be let free.

He also said investigations were still at the infancy stage.

"Our fear is that he might interfere with police investigations and as a Zimbabwean national he has the potential to skip back to his country," Marapo said.

Mutizwa, a former Air Lieutenant in the Zimbabwe National Army, was nabbed following a heads-up and when the police searched his house they found a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and a magazine with nine rounds of ammunition.

He was also found with stacks of walkie-talkies and handcuffs as well as notebooks with military tactical information and certificates detailing his military credentials.

The unemployed Mutizwa is said to be paying monthly rental of P3 500 for the apartment.

Botswana police said they suspected Mutizwa used the firearm to commit criminal activities to sustain himself.