Criminal caught speeding during lockdown threw shotgun away as he ran from cops

[dutchman]

He was eventually caught and is now serving at Her Majesty's pleasure



A Coventry man tried to throw away a bag containing a shotgun and ammunition as he was chased by police through a city centre.

Tatendra Masawi initially came to the attention of police after he was spotted speeding in Birmingham city centre during April’s lockdown.

The Peugeot he was driving was on cloned plates and as officers began to follow the vehicle it came to a stop on a pavement in Bow Street.

Masawi jumped out of the car with a rucksack which he discarded as he fled on foot.

However, his escape bid was quickly halted as officers caught up and detained him at the junction of Windmill Street.

The 28-year-old had £900 in cash, along with cannabis, on him while the rucksack he had thrown aside was also recovered.

Inside the bag was a shortened shotgun, along with seven live and five discharged cartridges, which seized.

Masawi, of Hollicombe Terrace, Henley Green, was jailed for five years at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (October 30) after being convicted of possession of a firearm, possession of cannabis and driving without insurance.

Detective Constable Ed Ketterer, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "This was a dangerous weapon and ammunition which we’ve managed to take off the streets. We’ve seen all to often the devastation they can cause in communities.

"Masawi thought he could get away from our officers, but there was never going to be an easy getaway and he is now behind bars."