HARARE, May 9 (NewsDay Live) — A 41-year-old Harare man appeared in court on Saturday after police allegedly recovered more than US$1 million in cash, gold and emeralds during a raid at premises in Belvedere.
Aejez Mohammed Anjum appeared before magistrate Lazini Ncube, who is expected to rule on his bail application on Monday.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Guidemore Saruchera of the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit opposed bail.
According to the State, Anjum is facing charges of unlawful possession and dealing in gold and precious stones, as well as money laundering-related offences. The matter was recorded under CR 35-37/05/26 at Milton Park Police Station.
Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu told the court that detectives received information alleging that Anjum was illegally dealing in gold and precious stones from a property in Belvedere.
Police obtained a search and seizure warrant from the Harare Magistrates Court before carrying out the operation on May 7, 2026.
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The raid, involving officers from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, the ZRP Canine Unit and Support Unit, allegedly led to the recovery of 1 404.4 grammes of gold, 18 emerald stones and US$1 069 981 in cash.
The court heard that Anjum allegedly failed to produce licences, permits or other documentation authorising him to possess or trade in the recovered minerals.
He also allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source and lawful possession of the cash.
The State further alleges that Anjum operates a wholesale hardware and cellphone business from a residentially designated area, with investigators probing whether the operation was being used as a front for illegal gold and precious stones trading, money laundering and possible tax evasion.
Prosecutors said investigations are still underway, including verification with Fidelity Gold Refineries, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Authorities are seeking to establish whether Anjum held licences to deal in minerals, complied with tax regulations and lawfully possessed the recovered cash.