A CHINESE national was granted bail by Kariba resident magistrate Simon Kandiero despite being caught with gold worth over US$200 000 at the Kariba Border Post.
Zhang Jiabo (24) was arrested on December 8, 2025, and charged with contravening section 3(1) of the Gold Trade Act and section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act.
Appearing for the State, Carren Musiwa opposed bail, but was overruled by the magistrate, who cited “exceptional circumstances” for granting Zhang freedom.
The decision has raised eyebrows, given that Zhang had initially provided a Zambian residential address, only to change it to a Zimbabwean one in court.
The investigating officer had requested more time to verify Zhang’s address, but the magistrate proceeded to grant bail.
Zhang was granted US$1 000 bail on condition that he surrenders his passport and reports at Marlborough Police Station daily.
The State alleged that Zhang was found in possession of two bars of gold, weighing 745,49 grammes and 856,93 grammes, valued at US$93 857,19 and US$109 035,77, respectively.
The accused is awaiting the provision of a Chinese interpreter.
- Hebrew Scriptures: The best way to stop suicide
- The Soccer Whiz:The return of the European heavyweights
- Mpofu plots DeMbare downfall
- Yadah’s good run continues
Keep Reading
However, Zhang remains in custody on a warrant of detention by the Immigration Department for violating immigration laws after having been granted bail.
