Henrietta Rushwaya, president of Zimbabwe Miner’s Federation and regarded as a niece of President Emmerson Mnangagwa due to traditional connections, has been found guilty of attempting to smuggle gold valued at more than $300,000. She was apprehended in 2020 at the airport in Harare with gold bars weighing 6kg in her possession while en route to Dubai.
Conviction and Legal Proceedings
Despite claiming that she had mistakenly taken the wrong bag, Rushwaya was charged with presenting an invalid export license, a violation that mandates all gold exports to be accompanied by the requisite permit. As she awaits sentencing on November 10, she has been placed in custody. Her case was linked to an undercover investigation by Al Jazeera journalists, who alleged a broader network of gold smuggling involving government officials and clandestine operations.
Co-accused and Government Response
Two agents from Zimbabwe’s national intelligence agency, who were initially charged alongside Rushwaya, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The government, in response to the allegations and subsequent investigation, declared its commitment to a thorough inquiry into any corrupt activities. The authorities emphasized their determination to prosecute individuals found to be involved in fraudulent and criminal acts, reaffirming a firm stance against corruption and malpractice.
Political Context and President Mnangagwa’s Reign
President Mnangagwa secured a second term in the recent election with 52.6% of the vote, an election that the opposition criticized for widespread irregularities. His ascension to power in 2017 followed a military intervention that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe. The case involving Rushwaya has drawn attention to the issue of corruption within the country, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the government to address illicit practices and uphold the rule of law.
Implications and Continued Scrutiny
The conviction of Rushwaya and the broader investigation into the alleged gold smuggling network underscore the significance of maintaining transparency and integrity in the mining and export sectors. The government’s pledge to combat corruption and enforce legal accountability signals an ongoing commitment to upholding ethical standards and combating illicit activities that undermine the country’s economic and political stability.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Times
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