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."
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
