Harare – A 33-year old Zambian man, Joseph Phiri has been sentenced to five years in jail in Zimbabwe after he was found with 3,1 kilogrammes of gold without a licence.
Phiri was convicted of being found with gold without a licence violating the Gold Trade Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Phiri was arrested while driving a Toyota Mark X with Zambian registration plates at Makuti Lodges.
The police had received a tip-off that Phiri intended to smuggle gold out of Zimbabwe through Chirundu border post.
”A search of the vehicle uncovered three gold bars concealed beneath the seat-belt winder. The recovered gold- later weighed at 3,118g at CID MFFU Harare and assayed by Fidelity Gold Refiners- was seized. Phiri failed to produce any permit or licence authorizing possession of the gold and was immediately arrested,” the NPA said.
”The gold has been forfeited to the State.”
The NPA said gold trafficking fuels organized crime networks and drains national revenue.
”Zimbabwe will continue tightening surveillance along highways and border posts. Those who attempt to smuggle strategic minerals will face swift and severe penalties,” the NPA said.
Zambian driver jailed 5 years in Zimbabwe for attempting to smuggle 3kg of gold
