A LOCALLY based Chinese engineer Chen Guoliang, who was nabbed at the Harare International Airport last month for alleged illegal possession of 17 pieces of raw ivory, will have to wait until Tuesday next week before the High Court makes a ruling on his bail application.
CHARLES LAITON,SENIOR COURT REPORTER
Chen has been in remand prison since his arrest on October 21.
High Court judge Justice Amy Tsanga yesterday deferred the bail ruling to November 19. Earlier on, the court had requested the State and defence counsels to provide details of Chen’s residence and employment status before a determination on his bail application could be made.
Chen’s lawyer Tendai Toto submitted proof of employment in the form of a confirmation letter from a Harare-based firm, Old Park Investment.
The court was also shown another confirmation letter from the Zimbabwe Finance Business Association which recognised Chen as a registered engineer.
Zimbabwe Immigration further confirmed that Chen’s resident permit was still valid at the time of his arrest and is set to expire next year.
Chen is being charged with unlawful possession of raw ivory and ivory products and alternatively unlawful exportation of goods.
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The tusks were valued at $28 475.
The State alleges that on October 21 this year, Chen arrived at Harare International Airport intending to go to China and checked in at the reception after which his luggage was subjected to a scan machine, leading to the discovery of the hidden 17 elephant tusks.
He was then asked to produce a permit or licence authorising him to be in possession of the ivory and he failed to do so, leading to his arrest.
