A MUTARE man’s bid to smuggle 72 pieces of diamonds worth over $14 000 to Mozambique failed on Sunday after he was intercepted at Forbes border post in the eastern border city.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
Tapiwa Mhlanga yesterday appeared before Mutare magistrate, Sekai Chiundura and was remanded in custody to December 7 for trial.
It is the State’s case that on November 29, detectives stationed at the minerals and border control unit received a tip-off that the accused was in illegal possession of diamonds and intended to smuggle them to Mozambique. Reacting to the information, the detectives waylaid him at the border post.
Upon arrival at the border, they identified the accused as he went through immigration formalities. The detectives monitored Mhlanga until he reached the exit point towards Mozambique.
As soon as he went through the exit point , detectives approached him and identified themselves.
The accused, sensing danger, ran away, but he was apprehended. On being searched, 72 pieces of diamonds were found hidden in his underwear and satchel.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mhlanga failed to produce a permit allowing him to trade in diamonds and it was found out that he did not declare the diamonds to the Zimbabwe Revenue of Authority.
Fletcher Karombo prosecuted. Mhlanga is being represented by Farai Matinhure of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners,
