The four men who were jailed to a total of 240 years for the murder of Dr Chris Mushonga, the late husband of Minister of Regional Integration and International Co-operation Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, in 2009, were back in court yesterday facing charges of illegal possession of firearms.
The quartet — Makaika Milanzi, Stephen Zimowa, Assan Chikwada and Crispen Sibanda, together with Tendai Jongwe and Antony Kumbula – denied the charge and were remanded to April 19.
The State alleges that on July 26, 2009, the men unlawfully purchased, acquired or had in their possession two firearms, a .38 Taurus Special revolver, serial number NG9776649, and an AK47 rifle, serial number ZRP 2653, in violation of the Firearms Act Chapter 10:09.
The accused, who are currently serving time for Mushonga’s murder, were jailed after a full trial last year. Allegations in that case were that on June 18, 2009, they raided Number 2 Crackley Lane, Mt Pleasant, where Mushonga stayed.
The house, owned by his wife, was guarded by Constable Tirivacho Mdizi, whom they disarmed of the AK47 and fled with it after attacking Dr Mushonga, who later died of the injuries.
They were arrested on July 23, 2009, and led a team of police officers to Chinhamora where, through their indications, the rifle was recovered under a bridge.
