US embassy confirm arrest of hunter

Harare - A United States citizen who tried to board a plane in Zimbabwe carrying two pistols and 300 rounds of ammunition was to appear in court the country Tuesday, state media and the US embassy say.

The man, who was not named, was arrested last Friday at the airport at Victoria Falls, the country's top tourist resort, with the weapons in his possession, the Zimbabwean Broadcasting Corporation reported.

A US embassy spokesperson, Mark Weinberg, confirmed the arrest and said the man had been in touch with consular officials.

"My understanding is that he was here on a hunting trip, but I cannot confirm the rounds of ammunition," Weinberg said, refusing to identify to suspect.

He said the court appearance Tuesday was the second for the man, following an initial hearing on Monday.

He added that the suspect was not being detained but could not exit Zimbabwe.

"They have kept his passport so he can't leave the country, but he is in his hotel," Weinberg said. - Sapa-AFP

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