Gold smuggler suspect given R100 000 bail

TASHINGA Nyasha Masimire, the 33-year-old man arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 23 pieces of gold worth R11 million into South Africa from Zimbabwe, has been granted R100 000 bail.

Hawks national spokesperson Philani Nkwalase said Masimire’s release on bail yesterday came with strict conditions.

“The alleged smuggler appeared this morning and the matter was postponed to July 1. The suspect was granted R100 000 bail with stringent conditions,” Nkwalase said.

“Some of the conditions include that he should not leave South Africa and he also has to report to the nearest police station at least three times per week.”

Masimire was arrested by SA Revenue Service officials after landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park on Saturday.

“Upon arrival in South Africa, the traveller was requested to scan his luggage at the international arrivals’ customs section of the SA Revenue Service, and 23 pieces of gold were found in his luggage,” Nkwalase said.

“He allegedly failed to declare any items and did not have any permits or licences to be in possession of, or transport, gold, and the Hawks were called to effect the arrest.”

Masimire is facing charges of contravening the Customs Act 91 of 1964 and the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.

Last year, former Zimbabwe Football Association chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya was arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on allegations of trying to smuggle 6kg of gold to Dubai.

State media in Zimbabwe reported that Rushwaya was arrested by Criminal Investigation Department detectives after the gold was found in her hand luggage during a search at check-in.