Suspended Zimbabwe miners federation president Henrietta Rushwaya, accused of attempting to smuggle 6kgs of gold to Dubai has been denied bail.
Also denied bail were her alleged accomplices Stephen Tserayi, Raphios Mufandauya and Gift Karanda.
However, Mr Ali Muhammad, who was implicated by Ms Rushwaya as the owner of the bullion has been freed on $100 000 bail.
Harare magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna in his ruling said that Rushwaya, Tserayi, Mufandauya and Karanda have connections outside the country and had the means to abscond trial if freed on bail.
Mr Nduna also said that there was high risk of them interfering with investigations. They were all remanded to November 27 for their routine remand.
Meanwhile, the State has indicated that it will appeal against Harare magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna’s decision to grant businessman Ali Muhammad bail.
Muhammad was today granted $100 000 bail coupled with other conditions.
Indications are that prosecutor Mr Garudzo Ziyaduma will this afternoon approach the High Court to place notice of an appeal against Mr Nduna’s decision.
Ali Muhammad is being charged with together with Henrietta Rushwaya, Stephen Tserayi, Raphios Mufandauya and Gift Karanda on smuggling, unlawful possession, criminal abuse of office charges as well as obstruction of justice.
