A 27-year-old man from Plumtree has been sent to prison after he was found in possession of live ammunition without a valid firearms licence. The accused, Thembelani Moyo, was remanded in custody by Plumtree magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware and is expected to return to court on July 8 for the continuation of his trial.
The court heard that on July 3, members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police received a tip-off suggesting that Moyo was unlawfully in possession of live ammunition. Acting on the intelligence, law enforcement officers moved swiftly to verify the report.
According to the prosecution, led by Sheilla Nyathi, police officers conducted a targeted operation that led them straight to Moyo. Upon confronting and searching him, officers reportedly discovered one round of 7.62mm live ammunition in his possession. Moyo was unable to produce any form of certification or licence authorising him to carry the ammunition, prompting his immediate arrest.
The 7.62mm calibre is commonly used in military-grade weapons such as AK-47s and other automatic rifles. Its presence in the hands of an unlicensed individual raised serious red flags, especially amid heightened concerns over illegal arms trafficking and rising incidents of gun-related crimes across parts of the country.
Following his arrest, Moyo was brought before the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court, where he appeared on charges of unlawful possession of live ammunition under the Firearms Act, which strictly regulates the possession, transfer, and use of firearms and ammunition in Zimbabwe.
Plumtree Man Remanded in Custody Over Illegal Possession of Live Ammunition
Magistrate Nembaware noted the seriousness of the charges and ordered that the accused be remanded in custody pending trial. He highlighted the need for the courts to take a firm stance against individuals found in possession of dangerous weapons or live ammunition without proper authorisation, stressing that public safety must remain a top priority.
The prosecution argued that Moyo posed a potential threat to community safety and that releasing him on bail could compromise ongoing investigations. They further noted that such offences are becoming alarmingly common, and leniency could send the wrong message to would-be offenders.
Although Moyo did not offer a defence during this initial court appearance, legal analysts suggest that unless he can prove that the ammunition came into his possession accidentally or was planted without his knowledge, he could face a custodial sentence upon conviction. Zimbabwean law typically imposes strict penalties on individuals found in violation of firearms regulations, even if no weapon is recovered alongside the ammunition.
In recent years, Zimbabwean authorities have stepped up efforts to combat the illegal possession and circulation of firearms and ammunition. The Zimbabwe Republic Police regularly conducts stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and community outreach programmes to educate the public about the dangers and legal implications of illegal firearms.
Police spokespersons have warned that possession of even a single round of live ammunition without the necessary permits is a prosecutable offence, with penalties ranging from fines to long-term imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The case of Thembelani Moyo has drawn attention in Plumtree and surrounding areas, with some residents expressing alarm over the discovery and praising the police for acting swiftly on the tip-off. “We don’t want guns and bullets in our communities,” said one local resident outside the court. “The police did the right thing by arresting him before something worse happened.”
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have also called on the government to improve public education around firearms laws, pointing out that many rural residents may not fully understand the legal consequences of possessing ammunition or gun parts without registration. However, others argue that ignorance of the law cannot be used as a defence when public safety is at stake.
As the case heads to trial, the focus will shift to how Moyo obtained the ammunition and whether any additional individuals may have been involved. Investigators are reportedly looking into possible connections to broader illegal arms distribution networks operating along the country’s borders.
The court is expected to resume proceedings on July 8, when more details about the case, including Moyo’s explanation and any potential defence, are likely to emerge. Until then, he will remain in police custody.
Source- Bulawayo24
