By Staff Reporter
A 25-year-old man from Kuwadzana Extension has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, with four months suspended, after being convicted of theft and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Bright Makuvatsine appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges stemming from an incident that took place on June 28, 2024.
According to court proceedings, on the night of the incident, Makuvatsine was part of a group of people who came to the aid of a couple involved in a road traffic accident along Bulawayo Road near Sogo Service Station in Whitehouse, Harare.
As others assisted the injured couple, Makuvatsine allegedly took advantage of the chaotic situation to steal a satchel belonging to the victims. The satchel contained various personal belongings, including a 9mm Sarsilmaz pistol.
Makuvatsine’s actions went unnoticed at the time, and he managed to evade capture for nearly two months. However, on August 23, 2024, police arrested him at the Kuwadzana 6 Shopping Centre after he was spotted in possession of the stolen firearm. Following his arrest, Makuvatsine led authorities to the recovery of some of the stolen property.
In court, Makuvatsine was found guilty of both counts. For the theft charge, he received a 12-month prison sentence, with four months suspended on condition of good behavior.
For the unlawful possession of the firearm, he was fined USD300. Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional four months of imprisonment.
