Police have found 30 pistols, 30 empty magazines and 1,700 rounds of ammunition smuggled from South Africa into Zimbabwe on a bus across the border.
Douglas Emmanuel Gikanyika (43) was arrested in connection with the case and police have since launched a manhunt for his accomplice identified as Godknows Gunda, who remains at large.
The weapons and ammunition were intercepted after the bus arrived at High Glen Bus Station in Harare on Monday afternoon.
Harare Provincial Police spokesman, Inspector Lukemore Chakanza, confirmed the incident yesterday and said investigations were still ongoing.
“On 5 March 2024, at approximately 1000 hours, information was received that a cross-border bus, called Tems Logistics, was transporting firearms and ammunition from South Africa to High Glen bus station, Glen Norah, Harare. A team of activists responded to this information. Arrived The bus is around 1300.
“After the bus arrived, the agents waited for the consignment recipient and after about 45 minutes, the accused, Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika, aged 43, arrived at the crime scene to receive his consignment. From South Africa. The officers arrested the accused, who collected his two boxes wrapped in black plastic bags. The parcels were marked “Thandi”. He added that the team arrested the accused and recovered the two boxes.
The boxes contained 30 firearms, 30 empty magazines, and 1,700 rounds of ammunition. The 30 firearms included 10 Blow F92.9 mm pistols, 20 Blow P29.9 mm pistols, and 34 boxes each containing 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
Investigations revealed that the firearms were transported in a white logistic bus (registration number KT25LSGP) that was towing a trailer bearing registration number KT68YLGP.
Upon questioning Jekanyika revealed that the parcels (the two boxes) were not his and that he was sent to collect them by his friend known as Godknows Gunda who was out of town.
The suspect was then transported to ZRP Southerton Police Station.
Further investigation revealed that each firearm was valued at approximately $350 while the rounds of ammunition were valued at $250, totaling $14,750.
Jekanyika will likely be charged on suspicion of smuggling or alternatively found in possession of items for criminal use.
The police have since launched a manhunt for Godknows Gunda who is said to be the owner of the firearms and ammunition. Announce
