An Epworth man was sentenced to an effective three-year jail term for illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful entry and stealing property worth $30.
BY PAIDAMOYO MUZULU
In sentencing Pardon Chingono, Harare magistrate Tendai Mahwe, said he had taken into consideration the prevalence of housebreaking cases in the country and the danger to society posed by persons who unlawfully possessed guns.
“Firearms, which go into the wrong hands, are frequently used to commit serious offences and the courts should be seen to be giving deterrent sentences,” Mahwe said.
“You are sentenced to 15 months in prison for unlawful entry of which three months is suspended for three years and for the second count of unlawful possession of a firearm you are sentenced to two years in prison making it an effective three years in jail.”
The magistrate further ruled: “The Grand Power pistol that was found in your possession shall be handed over to the police, who will give it to Safeguard Security when it proves it has the licence for the fire-arm.”
It was the State’s case that sometime in October this year, Chingono, who was not represented, broke into a house in Epworth and stole property valued at $30. When the matter was reported to the police, investigations led to Chingono’s arrest.
The police went and searched his residence and they recovered some of the property, but in the process also found a gun concealed in the house for which Chingono did not have a licence.
