Mutsvangwa's son approaches High Court for bail

Neville Mutsvangwa, son of ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, sought bail from the High Court yesterday on charges of illegal foreign currency trading and money laundering.

Earlier this week, Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi denied Neville bail. He is jointly charged with Simbarashe Tichingana and Ellis Majachani and faces an additional charge of breaching the Telecommunications Act.

Neville's lawyer, Jacqueline Sande, argued that he did not commit any offense by possessing visa cards, as the cards belong to the banks.

"Mere possession of bank cards is not proof that someone is dealing in cash. It is not even illegal," Sande stated before High Court judge, Justice Esther Muremba.

Sande emphasized that bank cards are the property of the issuing banks, which have the authority to disclose transactions made with the seized cards. She asserted that Neville does not deal in cash or launder money out of Zimbabwe, but instead uses free funds to purchase goods for resale.

Justice Muremba will deliver her ruling on Wednesday.

During Neville's appearance at the Harare Magistrates Court, Magistrate Mangosi deemed him a flight risk, citing that he has access to free funds and could be tempted to flee given his status as the son of Women's Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa. He was remanded in custody until May 30.

The State opposed bail, arguing that Neville was difficult to arrest, having blocked police entry to his house for hours. He was eventually found hiding behind bags of rubbish after officers forced their way in.

Prosecutor Thomas Chanakira told the court there was overwhelming evidence against the three accused, highlighting the seriousness of the offenses, which could result in up to 25 years in prison if convicted.