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Zvikomborero Parafini
THE scores of Illegal foreign currency dealers, who were arrested in the Harare CBD, Chitungwiza, Kuwadzana and surrounding areas, have spent a FOURTH night in remand prison.
There are 65 forex dealers who were arrested in the operation.
Some of them will have spent, at least, FOURTEEN days in remand prison by the time they return to court, on May 2, for their bail rulings.
Others will be back in court tomorrow and others will be back on Friday.
This is likely to send a very powerful message that the State is fighting back against the foreign currency cartels, who have been creating havoc in the economy through their speculative machinations.
In the past, the forex dealers were granted bail quickly, which provided the impression that their cases were very lightweight despite the huge damage they were making on the economy.
However, after authorities provided a cocktail of measures, including the introduction of the ZiG, to try and find a solution to the challenges which were hurting the economy, it appears there is now a tough stance towards the illegal forex dealers.
Yesterday, the scores of forex dealers were back in court where they filed their bail applications.
The matters were heard by two provincial magistrates — Ethel Chichera and Dennis Mangosi.
Elliot Mavhura of Seke, Chitungwiza, was arrested at Makoni Shopping Centre unlawfully dealing in foreign currency on Friday.
He was lured by detectives participating in the ongoing blitz.
He offered to sell ZiG to one of the police officers, in exchange for the United States dollar, at an exorbitant rate, which was way above the one pegged by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
He was arrested.
He was searched upon arrest and the phone he was using to do the transactions was taken and is now being held as proof that he is an illegal dealer.
Tapiwa and Justice Nyamadzawo of Chisipite were arrested at Chisipite Shopping Centre.
Allegations are that the two brothers were soliciting for United States dollars when they were spotted by detectives.
The police approached the two, posing as clients and they negotiated for 15 ZiG for one US dollar and were arrested after the transaction.
The police recovered various bank cards and phones from the two used in their illicit deals.
Online Reporter