Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent
A Zimbabwe Republic Police officer who was facing charges of theft and unlawful possession of ammunition has been acquitted.
John Chatsika, of E15 ZRP Msasa Camp, appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo at the Harare Magistrates' Courts.
According to State papers, Chatsika was stationed in Gutu in 2003.
Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara told the court that Chatsika allegedly stole a firearm—a P1 pistol with serial number 279953 BSAP 800—that was supposed to be handed over during an official transfer at the station. The theft was discovered during a routine physical check.
On April 24, 2024, officers from the Victim Friendly Unit received information from Chatsika’s wife, who claimed he possessed an unlicensed firearm and had used it to threaten her.
Police proceeded to Chatsika’s residence at E15 Msasa Camp, Harare, and located his wife. During questioning, she retrieved the firearm and handed it over to the police. Upon inspection, officers confirmed it was a real firearm.
She also surrendered two rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, which were subsequently taken to ZRP Rhodesville for safekeeping.
Further investigations revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen from ZRP Gutu during the time Chatsika was stationed there.
On May 2, 2024, the firearm was sent for forensic examination, and on May 3, a follow-up investigation led to Chatsika’s arrest.
The court heard that on May 6, 2024, a Forensic Ballistics report confirmed the firearm was functional and did not match any other recorded cases. A separate forensic report on the ammunition verified that the rounds were live but had no links to any outstanding crime scenes.
The stolen items were valued at US$570, while the ammunition was worth US$50.
Chatsika was represented by lawyer Moffat Mukavatsine.
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