Gold smuggling suspect Rushwaya remanded in custody

Harare (New Ziana)- Zimbabwe Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya, who is charged with attempting to smuggle 6.09 kg of gold worth US$333 000 , appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody to Wednesday for bail ruling.

Rushwaya appeared before Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna.

The magistrate took strong exception to a pre-court agreement between the State and Rushwaya’s defence team that she be granted bail, including the terms for the partial freedom.

Nduna threw out the agreement, and ruled that he would determine the merits or de-merits of bail.

The State led by Charles Muchemwa had consented that Rushwaya be granted $90 000 bail, be ordered to report twice a week at CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit, Harare and not to interfere with investigations and witnesses.

Rushwaya’s team had also agreed to the proposed bail conditions and demanded that trial kicks off when they return to court on November 13.

Through her lawyer, Rushwaya was quick to demand a trial date saying: “The accused wishes to clear her name and have the trial commences. I am advised that the State completed its investigations and we hope that on the next remand date, November 13, trial commence”.

But the Magistrate overturned the agreement between State and the accused to grant Rushwaya bail .

“You cannot just bring your consent for me to rubber stamp . So the bail hearing has to be done before me to give basis for the consent ,” said Nduna.

New Ziana