adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
TWO South African nationals were arrested at the Plumtree Border Post while trying to smuggle 5 336 grammes of gold valued at $178 976 into Botswana.
The two men went on to offer a R16 000 bribe to police detectives from the Plumtree Border Minerals and Border Control Unit.
Strydom Arthur (29) and Lombard Dale (28) who are both from Johannesburg appeared briefly before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Livard Philemon, facing charges of possessing gold without a licence and smuggling gold.
They were remanded in custody to 13 August.
Arthur and Dale who were on their way to South Africa on Sunday afternoon were found in possession of the gold which they had stashed in the spare wheel storage compartment of the boot of their vehicle.
Prosecuting, Mr Clemence Shawarira said police detectives received a tip-off that the South African nationals who were coming from Bulawayo where in possession of gold.
He said the South African nationals were asked to produce a gold licence or permit to possess gold but failed to produce any.
He said the gold had a total weight of 5 336 grammes and was valued at $178 976.
“On 2 August around 1pm Arthur and Dale arrived at the border and went through all Zimra and immigration formalities.
They were later intercepted by police detectives from the minerals and border control unit while at the Plumtree Border exit gate who indicated that they wanted to search their vehicle for gold,” said Mr Shawarira.
He said the two men agreed but indicated that they did not have any.
“During their search police detectives recovered 5 336 grammes of gold hidden in the car.
“Arthur then tried to offer the police detectives a R16 000 bribe resulting in their immediate arrest,” said Mr Shawarira.
Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko recently raised concern over a lot of revenue that was lost to smuggling of minerals in the country.
He said the country had about 30 million tonnes of gold which was enough to address economic challenges but said this was not possible as the mineral was being smuggled to Botswana and South Africa.
The Government set up teams to monitor gold production on a monthly basis as a means to curb leakages.
He said this will ensure that the mineral is channelled to Fidelity Printers for refining.
Online Reporter