Seven Chinese nationals facing charges of money laundering
and illegal possession of more than 20kg of rhino horn pieces with an estimated
street value of about $1 million, have been released on RTGS$5 000 bail each
coupled with stringent reporting conditions.
Zeng Dengui (35), Peicon Jang (35), Liu Cheng (23), Yu Xian
(25), Yong Zhu (25), Chen Zhiang (30) and Qui Jinchang (29) had been in custody
since their arrest on December 23.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva on
Thursday granted bail to the seven and ordered them to report three times a day
at Victoria Falls Police Station.
They were also ordered not to travel beyond a 10km radius
from Victoria Falls town unless going to Hwange for court appearances.
The judge also ordered them to surrender travel documents
and to reside at their given address until the matter is finalised. The seven
are expected to return to court on Monday for routine remand.
The accused who are represented by Mr Martin Chasakara
instructed by Mr Givemore Mvhiringi had to apply for bail at the High Court
after they were denied bail by the lower court.
They have also applied for a review of the dismissal of
their application for discharge by Hwange magistrate’s court and the case is
pending at the High Court.
The accused applied for stay of prosecution which was
granted by another Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese pending
determination of their application for review.
Allegations against the seven are that on December 23, they
were found in possession of several pieces of rhino horns weighing 20,98kg and
with a street value of $938 700 at house number 858 Aerodrome suburb in
Victoria Falls where they were renting.
Police received a tip-off and raided the house after
obtaining a search warrant from court.
They recovered several pieces of rhino horns in a bedroom
used by one of the accused persons. A digital scale was also recovered.
Chronicle
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