Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
THE State has withdrawn charges against Singaporean national Mark Yong Khong Yong, who was appearing in court on fraud charges involving a US$1,5 million mining investment.
This prompted Harare provincial magistrate Mrs Ruth Moyo to drop fraud charges against Yong before plea.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that the charges were being withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
It was the State’s case that Yong was intercepted by the police at the Norton tollgate while he was travelling in a black Lexus SUV with three other individuals.
Following his arrest, the police had alleged they had searched his residence in Borrowdale, Harare, where they reportedly recovered about 10 grammes of suspected gold nuggets.
The police later said they were investigating whether he had the necessary permits to possess the gold.
The police had alleged Yong was facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and illegal possession of gold, linked to an investigation into an alleged investment deal in which another foreign investor was defrauded of approximately US$1,5 million.
He was later granted USS$1 500 bail by a Harare magistrate on March 16. The State represented by Lawrence Gangarahwe said the investigations revealed Yong and his accomplice’s innocence that led to the charges being dropped.
Yong was being represented by Allen Masiya and Everson Chatambudza.
