shloboe boe
Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
A simple game of cops and robbers in Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb took a serious turn when a group of children discovered a fully loaded firearm.
The incident, which had the potential for tragedy, left the community shocked but relieved that the gun was jammed due to rust from being buried.
The discovery of the firearm unfolded on November 25, when an 11-year-old boy from Emakhandeni suburb discovered a Black Star pistol partially buried in the ground while playing with his friends.
According to a source who preferred anonymity, the children were playing in the area when they noticed something unusual sticking out from the ground. After picking up the gun they started playing with it and chasing each other mimicking a shootout with robbers.
“Curiosity got the better of them and as they approached the object, they discovered it was a gun.
Fortunately, it was jammed from rust and could not fire,” said the source.
Police confirmed the incident, saying investigations on the origins of the gun are underway.
“One of the boys took it home, after mistaking it for a toy. It was only when his sister noticed it was, in fact, a real firearm, that quick thinking and instinct kicked in. They immediately reported the matter to the police,” Bulawayo provincial police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said.
“Police promptly arrived at the scene to secure the weapon and began their investigation into its origins.”
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Asst Insp Msebele said police also arrested a 57-year-old man, Timothy Masendeke, from Nkulumane 12 in Bulawayo for illegal possession of a firearm.
She said Masendeke was arrested on Monday this week after police detectives received information that he was in possession of a firearm.
“Detectives proceeded to the accused’s place of residence, where he was located and interviewed concerning the information received. During the interview, the accused person denied having any knowledge or possession of the said firearm.
“Searches were conducted in his house leading to the recovery of the firearm Lee Enfield Rifle, Calibre 303, Ammunition nil, under his bed in his bedroom,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said Masendeke failed to produce a licence for the firearm leading to his arrest. Asst Msebele said investigations revealed that the firearm belonged to his late father, with the licence being last renewed in 2008.
“As the police delve deeper into these cases, community members are urged to report any suspicious activities or information that could aid the investigation. The discovery of the firearm has raised concerns about safety in the neighbourhood, and residents are reminded to stay vigilant and cautious,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
“We appreciate members of the public for the quick action in reporting the suspicious activities. These particular recoveries are a reminder of our ongoing efforts to keep our streets safe.
“We are committed to removing illegal firearms from our community and reducing the potential for violence.”
mbulelo smpofu
