(Last Updated on November 2, 2020 by Editor)
HARARE – The Magistrate Court has ordered that Henrietta Rushwaya be remanded in custody until Friday 30 October following submissions made by both the state and the defense today where the former submitted that it was now withdrawing it’s initial decision to consent to bail for the accused.
Following the arrest of Rushwaya yesterday at the Robert Mugabe International Airport while allegedly trying to smuggle more than 6kgs of gold, the state had consented to a Z$90 000 bail which was accompanied by other conditions which included that her passport remains with the police and that she reports to the police every Monday and Friday.
Magistrate Ngoni Nduna refused to grant the bail consented demanding the State to justify it’s decision.
However, the State through Mr Darudzo Ziyaduma withdrew it’s consent arguing that the scope of the investigations had become wider with more suspects expected to be brought to the court.
“The net syndicate is actually wider hence upon taking note of that, we enlarged the scope of the investigation and we expect more suspects to be brought to court tomorrow.
” There is also evidence that was availed to the effect that the accused tried to bribe two officers who had discovered the offence,” said Ziyaduma.
Ziyaduma argued that was the reason for the withdrawal of the consent adding that the source and intended destination of the gold were now also part of the investigation.
Reports emerging point to an almost well orchestrated smuggle after it was also discovered that her clearance at the airport took only four minutes while the CCTV around the area was switched off.
Mr Tapson Dzvetero who is representing Rushwaya opposed the application citing that there was a pending directive from the court ordering the State to justify why they had not opposed to the initial bail.
“There is a directive by the court which is outstanding directed to the State to furnish the court the reasons why they made the concession to the bail. That order had not been complied with by the State…
He further argued that the State was meant to start by arguing why it consented to the bail instead of making a fresh order.
The citizens have expressed wide outcry and are increasingly following the case with many expecting this to be another catch and release which is now the expected when it comes to cases involving high profile people who are politically connected.