PM’s brother in court

without a licence and failing to account for more than 2kg of the mineral he brought to Fidelity Gold Buying Centre.

Tsvangirai (54) from Redcliff was arrested on Monday and detained at Amaveni Police Station until Thursday.
He was released after Kwekwe magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe refused to place him on remand.

Tsvangirai, who owns Bylthedale Mining Services, is facing charges of contravening chapter 21, section 3 (1) of the Gold Trade Act, that is, dealing in gold without a licence or permit. He will now appear in court by way of summons.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Patrick Chademana on Thursday confirmed Tsvangirai’s arrest. He said between January 7 and July 4 this year, Tsvangirai is alleged to have bought more than 3kg of gold from Mrs Neddy Matshalaga, wife of Zvishavane Member of Parliament, Mr Obert Matshalaga, and about 180g more from two other people. “It is alleged Tsvangirai bought 3 335,6g of gold from Mrs Matshalaga, 90,24g from a Mr Moto and 86,6g from Doc Two Mine. When the suspect bought the gold amounting to 3 512, 6g from the mine and the two mentioned above, he knew that he was not a holder of a valid gold dealing licence,” said Insp Chademana.

He said 10 transactions were done and were all recorded in Tsvangirai’s gold purchase receipt book. Insp Chademana said on Thursday last week, detectives from the minerals unit approached Tsvangirai and asked him to produce a licence. “Tsvangirai only produced 13 fidelity receipts which were verified to be a true record at Fidelity buying centre in Kwekwe. It was discovered that the suspect deposited 1 133,47g of gold and he is yet to account for 2 202,9g of the mineral,” he said.

Tsvangirai also failed to produce a current gold dealing licence.
The Sunday Mail recently reported that Tsvangirai was on the verge of having his properties attached after allegedly failing to clear a US$600 000 debt with TN Bank.

It said Tsvangirai borrowed US$500 000 from the bank in June 2009 for use in his gold mining ventures in Midlands.
He is said to have defaulted in paying and the outstanding amount accrued interest. – CR.