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yesterday still in police custody, are expected to appear in court soon for contravening the Gold Trade Act and Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for offering R1,12 million bribe to detectives from the Border Control and Minerals Unit.
The unit’s spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Zeldah Chidede yesterday said detectives received information on Saturday that the South African was in possession of the gold which he wanted to smuggle to the neighbouring country.
“He was intercepted at Esigodini tollgate and his vehicle, a Mercedes Benz, was searched leading to the recovering of 38 smelted batons of gold weighing 6,123kg worth US$336 765 stashed in the boot,” she said.
After his arrest, the South African then led police to the house of the Zimbabwean in Bulawayo where 138 grammes of gold worth US$7 596 were discovered.
“The two accused persons then offered R1,12 million to the detectives, but they turned down the offer,” said Dect Asst Insp Chidede.
“They will appear in court soon for being found in possession of gold without a licence or permit and for bribery,” he said.
In March last year, a Ghanaian man was convicted of possessing more than 7kg of processed gold at a “safe house” in Eastlea without a licence.
Kingsley Atta Ghansah was charged with contravening Section 3 (1) of the Gold Trade Act, which criminalises the possession of gold without a licence.
Online Reporter