In a surprising turn of events, a court case involving two men from Harare has taken a new twist as it has emerged that the supposed firearms they were arrested with were actually toys. Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika (44) and Godknows Gunda (31) were apprehended on charges of contravening Section 182 of the Customs and Exercise Act.
However, their lawyer, Rene Kachidza, argued that the facts presented did not constitute an offense, and a ballistic report from CID Homicide revealed that the seized items were, in fact, toy guns.
During their appearance before magistrate Dennis Mangosi, the accused pleaded not guilty, and their legal team indicated their intention to file an application challenging their placement on remand. Kachidza argued that since the alleged firearms were determined to be toys capable of firing blank ammunition, the charges against his clients were unfounded. The court adjourned the matter to allow for a bail application to be filed.
According to the state prosecutor, Rufaro Chonzi, the arrests occurred on March 5, 2024, after the police received information that Jekanyika and Gunda had smuggled firearms into the country from South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post. The accused were unable to provide the necessary declaration paperwork for the consignment. Subsequently, the case was referred to CID Homicide, which confirmed that the seized items were, in fact, toy guns.
The revelation that the alleged firearms were toys has undoubtedly taken the case in a new direction.
