Diamond dealer nabbed

Clara Mudefi
THE thought of getting rich at a tender age landed a Mutare man in soup after he was found in possession of four pieces of diamonds in his pocket.

Panashe Munashe Mangwena (23) from Jaricha Village, Chief Zimunya, appeared before Mutare magistrate Mrs Annie Ndiraya facing charges of contravening Section 3(1) of the Precious Stones Trade Act, Chapter 21:6 which makes it illegal to be found in possession of precious stones (diamonds included) without a licence or permit.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to November 17 on $50 bail.

“Superintendent Chiriseri received a tip-off that there were illegal diamond dealings happening at Chishingwi Village in Headman Chiadzwa’s area.

“A team of four detectives from the Minerals Unit namely Sergeant Mpofu, Sergeant Mucharuona, Constables Chimedza and Mushohwe were sent to investigate.

“They conducted a search on Mangwena leading to the discovery of the four pieces of diamonds in his right-hand pocket,” said Mr Cuthbert Bhosha who was representing the State.