STAFF WRITER
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that the case involving Henrietta Rushwaya (56),who is accused of smuggling 6kg of gold worth US$333,042.28, is almost over after the State closed its case.
The State is alleging that on October 26 2020 Rushwaya went through the VIP route at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport evading security check points.
Upon going through an X-ray monitoring machine a suspicious object in the accused person’s luggage was identified. A physical search was conducted by a Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe security officer which led to the recovery of four gold bars.
The accused person failed to produce an exporter’s permit and instead produced a commercial invoice and packing list on behalf of a company named Ali Japan 786 Private Limited which purportedly authorized her to transport the gold.
It is the State’s case that it was unlawful to export gold using these documents.
In terms of the law Fidelity Printers and Refiners Private Limited is the sole authorized exporter of gold in Zimbabwe.
For an individual or company to export gold, a Gold Dealership License is required.
All gold exports must be accompanied by a Bill of Export, Fidelity Printers and Refiners Commercial Invoice, Fidelity Printers and Refiners Packing List, CD1 Form and RBZ Authorisation Letter.
Fidelity Printers and Refiners is also responsible for the movement of the consignment of gold to the airport and will only handover the package to the courier on the Airside. An individual or company cannot physically possess the gold and or package before entering the Airside.
“The accused person was initially charged with two others namely Stephen Chenjerai Tserayi (47) and Raphios Mufandauya (40). However, the State has withdrawn charges against the two,” the NPA further said.