Harare, May 10, 2021 (New Ziana) – A Zimbabwean, Tashinga Nyasha Masinire was on Monday granted R100 000 bail in South Africa following his arrest at the weekend for gold smuggling.

Masinire (33) was arrested on Saturday after landing at the OR Tambo International Airport carrying 23 pieces of gold worth an estimated R11 million, without documentation.

The spokesperson for South Africa’s crime unit, the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Philani Kwalase was quoted saying Masinire had been remanded to July 1.

“The alleged gold smuggler, a Zimbabwean Tashinga Nyasha Masinire was granted bail of R100 000 with stringent conditions not to leave South Africa and to report to the nearest SAPS police stations three times a week…,” he said.

The case has re-ignited debate of the high levels of gold smuggling which the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe estimates costs the country over US$1 billion every year.

It also pointed either a case of weak security at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport or connivance with officials.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation president, Henrietta Rushwaya was arrested at the Harare International Airport on allegations of attempting to smuggle six kilogrammes of gold.

The case is still before the courts.
New Ziana