The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
DETECTIVES in Mutare last week nabbed a vendor at Chidzere Market following a high-speed chase after he was found in possession of an unlicensed pistol.
In a typical movie style, Maxwell Mutereko (44) of Hob-house high-density suburb upon noticing that detectives were after him, tried to evade arrest and sped off towards Marange.
Detectives opened fire on the vehicle resulting in the tyres being deflated. Mutereko was arrested and taken to court where he was convicted on his own guilty plea for possessing a firearm without a certificate as defined in Section 4(1) (2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, sentenced him to 18 months in prison which were wholly suspended for five years on condition of paying a fine of $100 000.
Prosecuting, Mr Tiriwamambo Kangai, said on January 22, at around 4pm, police received information that Mutereko was in possession of an unregistered firearm in his motor vehicle, a silver Honda Fit, Registration Number AEB 2156 and was driving from Hobhouse high-density suburb to his rural home in Manyengavana Village in Chief Zimunya’s area.
Detectives proceeded to the 22 Miles Tollgate where they picked Constable Dengu of Support Unit who was armed with an AK riffle.
They proceeded to Mutereko’s rural home where they intercepted him near his homestead.
Police officers disembarked from their vehicle and identified themselves to Mutereko who was seated in his motor vehicle.
“Mutereko tried to speed off and Cst Dengu who was armed with an AK riffle fired two warning shots, but he did not stop.
‘‘He continued driving off, prompting Cst Dengu to fire two more shots, thereby deflating both right side tyres forcing Mutereko to stop,” said Mr Kangai.
Mutereko disembarked from the vehicle and took to his heels.
Police gave chase and as they were gaining ground on him, Mutereko threw the pistol in the bush and continued running.
One of the police officers recovered the pistol, while others continued pursing Mutereko resulting in his arrest.
