By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BINDURA – The Bindura Magistrates’ Court has convicted a 19-year-old teenager for unlawful possession of a firearm after he was caught with a loaded pistol during a street fight.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Brian Kaviya was charged under Section 4(1) of the Firearms Act following his arrest on September 11, 2022, in Chiwaridzo Phase 2, Bindura.
Police officers reportedly witnessed Kaviya engaged in a fight with another man when a Barandelli pistol, serial number 11323, fell to the ground. The weapon was loaded with a magazine containing two rounds. When questioned, Kaviya admitted ownership of the firearm.
Investigations later revealed that the teenager had stolen keys to his father’s gun cabinet, secretly taken the pistol, and left home without his parents’ knowledge.
Kaviya pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to pay a fine of USD200 or, in default, serve four months in prison.
The NPAZ reminded parents and guardians to secure firearms responsibly and warned that unlawful possession of weapons is a serious offence that endangers communities and attracts strict penalties.