adminTendai Gukutikwa
A HARARE woman was last week nabbed while trying to smuggle 11 pieces of diamonds into Mozambique through Forbes Border Post.
Phillipa Rutendo Chaparadza (25) appeared before senior Mutare magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura facing charges of contravening Section 3(1) of the Precious Stones Trade Act Chapter, Act 21:6 which makes it illegal to be found in possession of precious stones (diamonds included) without a licence or permit. Chaparadza was not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to November 10 on $200 bail.
She was ordered to report at Waterfalls Police Station once every fortnight and warned not to interfere with witnesses.
Mr Cuthbert Bhosha prosecuted. The court heard that on October 25, detectives on patrol at Forbes Border Post received a tip-off that Chaparadza, who was in the company of her boyfriend, was planning to illegally cross into Mozambique with the 11 pieces of diamonds.
“The detectives approached the duo and a search was conducted leading to the discovery of the 11 pieces of diamond and a diamond selector in Chaparadza’s handbag,” said Mr Bhosha.
Chaparadza was arrested and the diamonds were recovered as exhibits and will be produced in court.
Online Reporter