adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A SOUTH African man who was arrested recently for attempting to smuggle 1,682 kg of gold worth $67 000 out of the country through the Beitbridge Border Post has been fined $7 000 or 13 months in jail.
Humbulani Nemanashe (33) was convicted on his own plea of guilty to charges of illegal possession of gold and smuggling by Beitbridge resident magistrate Ms Gloria Takundwa.
The gold was forfeited to the State as part of the sentence.
The court was told that on 27 August, Nemanashe arrived at Beitbridge Border Post where he completed customs and immigration formalities.
He did not make efforts to declare the gold to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and proceeded to the exit gate where he was intercepted by the detectives who were closely monitoring his movements following a tip-off.
Nemanashe was searched and the gold, which he had wrapped in a black stocking and tied on his right leg using a knee guard, was discovered.
He failed to produce a permit authorising him to deal in gold and he was arrested.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo