Alleged gold smuggler released on bail

A 33-YEAR-OLD man arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 23 pieces of gold valued at R11 million into South Africa from Zimbabwe was granted bail of R100 000 yesterday.

National spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase said Tashinga Nyasha Masimire’s release on bail 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,” said Nkwalase. “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 a week.”

Masimire was arrested by SA Revenue Service officials after landing at

OR Tambo International Airport Kempton Park on Saturday.

At the time, Nkwalase said: “Upon arrival in South Africa, the traveller was requested to scan his luggage at international arrivals’ customs section of the SA Revenue Service and 23 pieces of gold were found in his luggage. 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 in Harare on allegations of trying to smuggle 6kg of gold to Dubai. in