News / National
Israeli smuggling pilot appears in a Zimbabwean court
29 Mar 2012 at 05:30hrs | Views
THE Israeli pilot who was arrested at the Harare International Airport while trying to smuggle out 1 300 diamond pieces worth over US$2 million will be tried today.
Shmuel Kainan Klein (58) yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera who deferred his trial to today.
Regional magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa will preside over the trial. Klein is being charged for unlawful possession of diamonds and contravening Section 12 (1) of the Immigration Act Chapter 4:02 which criminalises entry by evasion.
Klein is employed by CAL Airlines of Israel as a pilot instructor. Prosecutor Ms Tracy Mundanga alleges that on March 17 this year, at around 11am, Klein intended to leave for South Africa on a South African Airways flight number SA23.
It is alleged he was clad in a pilot's uniform when he presented himself at the passenger screening point which was manned by a Civil Aviation Authority security officer Wendy Gomo.
As his two bags were being screened, it is alleged, the security officer observed that Klein was uneasy and shaky prompting her to make a physical check of the hand luggage and discovered the diamonds.
Shmuel Kainan Klein (58) yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera who deferred his trial to today.
Regional magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa will preside over the trial. Klein is being charged for unlawful possession of diamonds and contravening Section 12 (1) of the Immigration Act Chapter 4:02 which criminalises entry by evasion.
Klein is employed by CAL Airlines of Israel as a pilot instructor. Prosecutor Ms Tracy Mundanga alleges that on March 17 this year, at around 11am, Klein intended to leave for South Africa on a South African Airways flight number SA23.
It is alleged he was clad in a pilot's uniform when he presented himself at the passenger screening point which was manned by a Civil Aviation Authority security officer Wendy Gomo.
As his two bags were being screened, it is alleged, the security officer observed that Klein was uneasy and shaky prompting her to make a physical check of the hand luggage and discovered the diamonds.
Source - TH
