Businesswoman in court over alleged cash flight

A Harare-based businessperson appeared in court yesterday facing allegations of externalising more than US$4 million without authorisation from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Maud Patricia Liddell was not asked to plead when she appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo on charges of externalisation and money laundering. She was represented by lawyer Arshiel Mugiya.

According to the State, Liddell, who works as a bookkeeper, allegedly sold a property-Westend Properties, stand number 2057A in Salisbury Township, measuring 2 975 square metres-for US$4,3 million between March and May last year.

Prosecutors allege that she subsequently transferred US$4 085 000 outside the country without obtaining the required clearance from the central bank.

The matter came to light after detectives from the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit received information on March 21, leading to her arrest.

Liddell is also accused of concealing or disguising the true nature, source and movement of the funds allegedly derived from the transaction.

The State case is being handled by prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe.

She is expected to return to court as investigations continue.