PROMINENT Nyamandlovu farmer and Zanu PF activist, Sweet Sweet, who was recently accused of carrying a gun at a church function attended by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko in Bulawayo, has been summoned to appear in court next week for possible trial. BY SILAS NKALA
Sweet was arrested on April 4 at the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM Sengwayo) church’s 60th anniversary in Pelendaba after one of Mphoko’s bodyguards saw a pistol protruding from his jacket.
He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm at a public place after it emerged that he was not a member or usher of that church.
His docket was sent back to Bulawayo Central Police Station last month after he argued that the church was not a public place.
Sweet denied the charge of possessing a firearm at a public place when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Merlyn Mutshina at the start of the case.
However, yesterday public prosecutor Dumisani Ndlovu said the matter had been brought back to the court.
“The case is coming back to court for a possible trial on May 26,” said Ndlovu.
He said Sweet’s lawyers were served with the summons yesterday. Sweet was arrested after Mphoko’s bodyguard, Vumani Ncube, noticed the gun and interrogated him.
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Following his arrest, investigations revealed that the gun was legally registered for protection of cash in transit with serial number 68244 and certificate number 830701.
Prosecutors said Sweet was found with a BRNOC2 pistol, 14 rounds of ammunition, $2 and R5.
Sweet is out of custody on $100 bail.
