SelfstylSelf-styled gun dealer arrested in CBD
A 25-year-old self-styled gun dealer was arrested on Wednesday in Harare CBD after police found him selling a firearm. According to the police report, officers got a tip-off that Tanaka Rujuwa (25) was in possession of a gun. The police report read:
“On 05/10/22, Police in Harare swiftly reacted to a tip-off and arrested Tanaka Rujuwa (25) at Markert Square Bus Terminus for possession of an unregistered Plainsman 175 Pistol and a Mossberg round. The suspect was arrested while selling the firearm for US$1 500.”
This arrest comes a week after the expiry of the Presidential Amnesty on Voluntary Surrender of Firearms and compliance with the police verification exercise. It is reported that 545 firearms were surrendered as of 29 September 2022 under the amnesty.
Illegal possession of firearms violates section 4(4)(b) of the Firearms Act and may attract a jail sentence of about 24 months, depending on the circumstances.
Amnesty was announced against an increase in crimes such as armed robberies and other forms of crimes of passion. Off late, the frequency of armed robberies and money heists has been on a dramatic increase. Armed have become so daring as to hold hostages in Hollywood-style heists. Barely a week ago security details at How Mine were robbed as they transported gold to Fidelity printers.
Crimes of passion have also seen a dramatic increase. Memories are still fresh of how a Ximex dealer splashed the cash in the CBD before he allegedly went on killing his girlfriend in cold blood. He allegedly also took his own life.
