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Court Reporter
An Air Force of Zimbabwe official who accidentally shot a 14-year-old boy after trying to clear a loaded gun he had seized from a Chitungwiza businessman was yesterday remanded in custody.

The wounded boy was shot on the right pelvis with the bullet protruding at the right buttock. He is still admitted to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.

Gerald Gurwe (23), stationed at Manyame Air Base allegedly received information that the businessman, Mr Trust Jasi had taken his uncle hostage in his car to recover his stolen cellphone last Saturday morning.

It is further alleged that Gurwe dashed to the parked Toyota Hilux and seized the loaded gun from Jasi accusing him of moving around with a dangerous weapon.

He is also alleged to have accused Mr Jasi of being a murderer who had been killing people around.

The court heard that this was the time the boy who was walking along Hadzinanhanga Road with his friends passed through where the scuffle was taking place.

Prosecutor Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa told the court that the boys were going to play soccer at Town Centre in the same location.
However, upon arrival at the intersection of Hadzinanhanga and Mabvazuva Roads, they joined the crowd to witness what was happening.

Gurwe who was holding the loaded firearm reportedly cocked it in an attempt to clear it. It is alleged that Gurwe failed to carry out safety measures as prescribed and pointed the gun to the crowd.

He reportedly pulled the trigger shooting the boy in the process leading to Mr Jasi reaching for the gun and grabbing it back.
Gurwe denied that he negligently and recklessly discharged a firearm in a public place before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini.

He was remanded in custody to Friday for trial continuation. In his defence, he refuted the claims that he shot the minor while trying to clear the gun.
He told the court that it fell to the ground and fired when he was wrestling with the people who tried to take it from him.