A Domboshava businessman has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly submitting fake documents to the Controller of Firearms before being issued...
A Domboshava businessman has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly submitting fake documents to the Controller of Firearms before being issued with a 9mm Glock pistol. Prosecutors say the accused used false banking information during the firearm application process.
Tavonga Seremani, 34, of Zimbiru Village in Domboshava, appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Ruth Moyo. He was formally charged with fraud in connection with the firearm application.
Advertisement
According to the State, the alleged offence took place between January 1 and June 19, 2023. During that period, Seremani reportedly applied for a firearm licence under the cash-in-transit category.
The application was submitted to the Controller of Firearms at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Harare. Authorities say applicants in that category are required to provide supporting financial and identification documents.
Prosecutors told the court that Seremani allegedly misrepresented himself as an account holder with NMB Bank. It is alleged he submitted an account number that did not exist.
The State said the account number provided was 0000260184377 and that the accused knew the account was not genuine at the time of the application.
As part of the application process, Seremani allegedly submitted an NMB Bank statement bearing the same account number. Prosecutors say the statement was used as proof that he was financially suitable to possess or own a firearm.
The court heard that authorities acted on the alleged misrepresentation and approved the application. A firearm certificate was then issued for a 9mm Glock pistol.
According to court papers, the certificate issued was number 37049B for a Glock pistol with serial number LXF793. Prosecutors say the alleged fraud prejudiced the Criminal Investigation Department’s Central Firearms Registry in the execution of its administrative duties.
The State says the submitted bank statement, the 9mm Glock pistol and the firearm certificate are now being held as exhibits in the case.
Authorities said the matter was later reported to police, leading to investigations and the eventual arrest of the accused.
The case highlights growing scrutiny around firearm licensing procedures and the importance of accurate documentation in regulated applications.
Zimbabwean law requires applicants seeking firearm licences to meet specific legal and administrative conditions. These processes are intended to ensure that only qualifying individuals are granted permission to own firearms.
No plea details were immediately available in court proceedings. The matter is expected to return to court for further hearings.
Seremani remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
