Two men in Harare, Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika and Godknows Gunda, were initially in hot water after being accused of receiving 30 smuggled pistols worth US$14,750. However, a surprising twist unfolded in court when it was revealed that the alleged firearms were actually toy guns valued at only R2,000.

The charges against the two individuals were downgraded from illegal possession of firearms and smuggling to just smuggling as they appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court.

Jekanyika was the first to be apprehended on March 5 at High Glen Bus Terminus in Glen Norah while attempting to collect two boxes sent from South Africa via a Tems Logistics bus. The police acted on a tip-off regarding guns and ammunition on the bus and upon inspection, discovered what they believed to be 10 Blow F92 pistols, 20 Blow P29 pistols with empty magazines, and 1,700 rounds of ammunition.

A surprising turn of events unfolded during their court appearance as the National Prosecuting Authority clarified that the items were not actual firearms but toy guns that could fire blank ammunition. Blanks are cartridges that simulate gunfire without firing a projectile.

The defense lawyers for Jekanyika and Gunda asserted that the toy guns were intended for security guard training purposes, with Gunda serving as a manager at Gemak Security company in Harare.

In light of the new information, the men are expected to plead not guilty to the smuggling charge. Their defense highlighted that a ballistics report confirmed the guns were indeed toys, emphasizing that the accused were not involved in smuggling the items across the border.

Magistrate Dennis Mangosi has remanded the two men for a bail hearing scheduled for Friday to further address the case in light of these unexpected developments.