- A man allegedly in possession of gold pieces was granted bail.
- Tashinga Nyasha Masinire was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.
- Masinire was arrested when he arrived in SA from Zimbabwe.
Alleged gold smuggler Tashinga Nyasha Masinire was granted bail by the Kempton Park Regional Court.
Masinire, 33, was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.
Masinire was travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa - and was found in possession of 23 pieces of gold, worth R11 million.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase, said Masinire was released on R100 000 bail.
Upon his arrival in South Africa, customs officials requested to scan Masinire's luggage, during which the pieces of gold were found.
Masinire failed to declare the gold, nor did he have a permit or license to possess it.
9 MAY 2021, ALLEGED SMUGGLER NABBED WITH GOLD AT OR TAMBO
— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) May 9, 2021
The preliminary investigation by the Hawks revealed that the suspect travelled from Harare, Zimbabwe to Johannesburg, South Africa. The 23 pieces of gold worth R11 million were seized for further investigation. pic.twitter.com/JVsjsvriak
Masinire has been ordered not to leave South Africa and to report to the nearest police station three times a week.
He is expected back in court on 1 July.