Harare (New Ziana)-Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna on Wednesday granted former Zimbabwe Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya, who is facing charges of attempted gold smuggling, $100 000 bail.

In granting Rushwaya bail, the Magistrate said the Covid-19 induced ” lockdown will stop her from absconding”.

“What has, therefore, changed is that the imposition of the national lockdown will ensure that the applicant will not freely move, and thereby the risk of abscondment is curtailed.

“This, therefore, affirms that the applicant, if she is released, will not abscond since her movement is curtailed by the imposed national lockdown,” said Nduna.

Rushwaya is facing charges of trying to smuggle six kilograms of gold out of Zimbabwe and attempting to bribe a law enforcement officer.

She was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on October 26 2020 as she headed to Dubai.

Rushwaya was ordered to report twice a week to Rhodesville Police Station and reside at her given address pending finalisation of the case.

She should not interfere with witnesses and investigations, according to the court.

New Ziana