Neville Mutsvangwa (44) found himself facing additional charges after being arraigned before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday, May 10th, along with two others, on allegations of currency dealing, unlawful cash trading, and money laundering.
The new charge pertains to contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act, as he was allegedly discovered in possession of star link equipment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) claims that on May 9, 2024, the Police received a tip that directed them to Mutsvangwa’s Mount Pleasant home, where they found and confiscated a star link router.
Neville Mutsvangwa was unable to present a license allowing him to utilize the apparatus. As a result, he was placed on remand until Monday, May 13, 2024, so that his bail hearing could take place.
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At the Harare Magistrates’ Court, Mutsvangwa was charged with Simbarashe Tichingana (38), Ellas Majachani (45), and the other defendants.
These accusations include breaking the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, the Exchange Control Act, and the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act.
The accused established Mumba Money Transfer services without the required license between January 1st, 2019, and May 8th, 2024, according to the prosecution, breaking banking and exchange control laws.
They allegedly used a combination of electronic transfers and real currency transactions, operated out of premises in Harare, and promoted their services online. They allegedly used offshore bank accounts to hide their operations.
Police found a number of things after apprehending them on May 8, 2024, including cash of US$3890, smartphones, sim cards, computers, money counters, debit cards (including VISA cards issued abroad), and a point of sale equipment.
During the hearing, the investigating officer gave oral testimony, and the State objected to bail. Midway through the testimony, the proceedings were delayed. The bail hearing is set to recommence on Monday, April 13, at 8:30 AM.