News / National
War veteran 'Bloodshed' jailed over illegal firearm
08 Nov 2014 at 10:35hrs | Views
A 56-year-old war veteran was on Friday slapped with an effective 18 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Bloodshed Vhiriri is not employed and resides at house number 121 B in Hatfield, Harare.
In passing sentence, presiding magistrate Tendai Mahwe said: "In assessing sentence, l took into account that you are a former freedom fighter and you are a first offender. However, this is a very serious offence because such firearms are often used for criminal purposes," said Mahwe.
"Lengthy imprisonment is only appropriate."
The magistrate also highlighted that Zimbabwe was a peaceful country, with a safe record that must be preserved.
According to the state, on September 19 last year and at around 1000 hours, Vhiriri went to a fast-food outlet situated in the city centre. While there, the ex-combatant visited the bathroom at the premises where and placed his star pistol, serial number HK940454, on top of a toilet tank.
After relieving himself, Vhiriri forgot the pistol in the toilet and went away, the court heard. The firearm was later discovered by Simbarashe Gonyora, a manager at the fast-food outlet.
Gonyora immediately informed police officers, who later apprehended Vhiriri as he came back for his weapon. Upon interrogation, the ex-combatant failed to produce a valid certificate for the firearm. Timothy Katsande appeared for the state.
Bloodshed Vhiriri is not employed and resides at house number 121 B in Hatfield, Harare.
In passing sentence, presiding magistrate Tendai Mahwe said: "In assessing sentence, l took into account that you are a former freedom fighter and you are a first offender. However, this is a very serious offence because such firearms are often used for criminal purposes," said Mahwe.
"Lengthy imprisonment is only appropriate."
The magistrate also highlighted that Zimbabwe was a peaceful country, with a safe record that must be preserved.
According to the state, on September 19 last year and at around 1000 hours, Vhiriri went to a fast-food outlet situated in the city centre. While there, the ex-combatant visited the bathroom at the premises where and placed his star pistol, serial number HK940454, on top of a toilet tank.
After relieving himself, Vhiriri forgot the pistol in the toilet and went away, the court heard. The firearm was later discovered by Simbarashe Gonyora, a manager at the fast-food outlet.
Gonyora immediately informed police officers, who later apprehended Vhiriri as he came back for his weapon. Upon interrogation, the ex-combatant failed to produce a valid certificate for the firearm. Timothy Katsande appeared for the state.
Source - The Zim Mail
