Harare | Lardmio Ruvisi, one of the 65 individuals nabbed in a recent crackdown on illegal foreign currency trading in Harare, found himself in an unexpected predicament as he missed his wedding on Saturday after being remanded in custody pending a bail application today.
Ruvisi, a resident of Warren Park 1, lamented to the National Prosecuting Authority vetting office that his arrest on Independence Day disrupted his plans to finalize wedding preparations, as he was seeking United States dollars for the occasion.
According to reports, Ruvisi was apprehended alongside 64 other suspected illegal forex traders during a blitz operation in the capital city.
The prosecution alleges that on Independence Day, a team of detectives conducting an operation against illegal forex trading observed Ruvisi engaging in foreign currency transactions at the corner of Sir Seretse Khama Street (formerly Angwa Street) and George Silundika Avenue.
During surveillance, Ruvisi and another individual, Bianca Masvaure, were approached by the team, who requested Ruvisi to transfer Buddie airtime worth ZiG130, equivalent to US$10, to Masvaure’s phone.
Masvaure handed over US$10 to Ruvisi for the transaction, but Ruvisi allegedly failed to complete the airtime transfer, leading to his immediate arrest.
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Ruvisi is scheduled to appear in court today along with the other 64 individuals, each facing separate charges related to illegal forex trading.
The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to curb illegal forex trading in Zimbabwe, which has been a persistent issue impacting the country’s economy. With a crackdown intensifying, individuals involved in such activities are facing legal repercussions, regardless of personal circumstances.
As Ruvisi awaits his bail hearing, his unfortunate situation serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals may face when engaging in illicit financial activities, even amid significant personal events such as a wedding.
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