US$150 bail for smuggling GD6

Michael Mashiri

A man accused of smuggling cars into the country has been arraigned in court.

Mangadza Tinashe, 40, of Hatfield, appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa at Harare Magistrates' Courts accused of contravening the Customs and Excise Act.

He was granted US$150 bail and will return to court on December 14.

The State alleges that between 2020 and 2021, Mangadza smuggled a Toyota Hilux GD6 from South Africa into Zimbabwe which he sold to Fungai Chimwamukombe who then purchased registration plates (AGA 5789) from the duo of Blessing Matinyarare and Shepherd Hove for US$1 200.

They allegedly evaded paying duty for the smuggled cars and passed through toll gates without paying.

Police got a tip off, leading to the arrest of Mangadza.

The smuggled car was impounded and the sets of number plates were recovered.