A Zambian national faces five years behind bars after authorities caught him attempting to transport three kilograms of gold across the border without authorization. Joseph Phiri from Mulungishi Village in Lusaka was convicted following his arrest at Makuti Lodges along the Harare-Chirundu highway, where detectives acting on intelligence stopped his Toyota Mark X.
Officers discovered three gold bars hidden beneath the vehicle's seatbelt mechanism during their inspection. Phiri failed to produce any documentation permitting him to possess the precious metal, prompting immediate detention. Regional magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka handed down the sentence after prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza successfully demonstrated the illegal possession charge.
The confiscated gold, confirmed through weighing procedures at CID MFFU headquarters in Harare, has been surrendered to state ownership.
Officers discovered three gold bars hidden beneath the vehicle's seatbelt mechanism during their inspection. Phiri failed to produce any documentation permitting him to possess the precious metal, prompting immediate detention. Regional magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka handed down the sentence after prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza successfully demonstrated the illegal possession charge.
The confiscated gold, confirmed through weighing procedures at CID MFFU headquarters in Harare, has been surrendered to state ownership.
