A weeping and seemingly confused Brazilian woman appeared before a city magistrate yesterday charged with illegally having one bullet in her possession and was remanded to prison.
Mikaany Souza Meres, 26, is accused of having a .32 live round in her possession on August 11 at Aishalton village without being the holder of the relevant licence. The defendant, via a translator, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
The prosecutor objected to bail being granted saying that the defendant does not have a local address and may not return for trial.
The court heard that on the day in question, Meres was on her way to Marudi Backdam on a lorry when the vehicle stopped to check-in at the Aishalton police station. Passengers who were in the vehicle including the defendant who had a black handbag, stepped out with their belongings.
It was during a search of the said handbag that the bullet was found.
In tears, Meres pleaded with the translator to ask the magistrate to have her explain what really happened on the day in question but the request was denied by the magistrate in the best interest of the defendant.
Meres was subsequently remanded to prison until September 8 when her matter will be heard by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
