ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said it was President Emmerson Mnangagwa who facilitated the release of his son, Neville, following his arrest last year.
Neville was detained for illegal foreign currency trading during a raid at his home in Mt. Pleasant, Harare, on May 8, 2024.
He was also charged with money laundering and violating the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act.
Neville was granted bail by High Court Judge Justice Rodgers Manyangadze on May 31, 2024. He and his co-accused, Ellias Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana, were each required to pay US$1,000 and surrender their passports.
At the time of Neville’s arrest, Mnangagwa was out of the country, and Mutsvangwa attributed the arrest to Acting President Constantino Chiwenga.
On 8 May 2024, Mnangagwa was in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit. 
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Thursday, Mutsvangwa claimed that Mnangagwa was not responsible for his son’s arrest. He said:
<blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was not behind the arrest of my son, as some people claim. It is President Mnangagwa who released him from jail.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa’s remarks suggest that President Mnangagwa influences the judiciary. Critics argue that there is a selective application of the law, with some individuals accused of corruption being briefly arrested and then released—a “catch and release” approach—while others languish in remand prison for over a year, only to be acquitted of the charges they faced.

Pindula News

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa helped his son Neville get out of jail last year. Neville was arrested for trading foreign currency illegally. He was also accused of money laundering. Neville was given bail by a judge and had to pay money and give up his passport. When Neville was arrested, Mnangagwa was not in the country. Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa did not cause his son's arrest but actually helped him get out of jail. Some people think this shows the president can control the legal system unfairly. They say some people are quickly arrested and released, while others stay in jail a long time before being found not guilty.

Mutsvangwa Claims Mnangagwa Secured Release Of His Son, Neville, From Prison

The trial of Neville Mutsvangwa failed to commence as scheduled on Thursday, with the State citing the need to finalise its investigations before proceeding with the case.
Neville and two alleged accomplices, Simbarashe Tichingana and Elias Majachani, are facing charges of illegal foreign currency dealings and money laundering.
They appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Simon Kandiyero on Wednesday, who subsequently postponed the matter to August 28.
In addition to the currency-related charges, Neville is also facing a separate charge of breaching the Telecommunications Act. He was allegedly found in possession of a Starlink router without authorisation.
The accused individuals are represented by their lawyer, Shepherd Makonde, and are out on US$1,000 bail each.
Neville is the son of Christopher Mutsvangwa, who serves as the ZANU PF spokesperson, and Monica Mutsvangwa, who holds the position of ZANU PF Women’s League’s Secretary for Administration and is also the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
Monica said the charges of illegal foreign currency trading against her son, Neville, were fabricated.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa's trial did not start as planned because the State needed more time to investigate. Neville and two others are accused of doing illegal foreign currency business and money laundering. They were supposed to appear in front of a judge but it got pushed to August. Neville also has a charge for having a Starlink router without permission. He is out on bail along with his friends. Neville's mom, who is a minister, says the accusations are not true.

Neville Mutsvangwa's Trial Fails To Commence

The case of Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa, the son of ZANU PF heavyweights Chris and Monica, and his two accomplices who are facing several criminal charges has been postponed to July 18.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mutsvangwas-case-postponed-to-july/">The Herald</a>, the State asked for a postponement pending the finalisation of investigations before Harare magistrate, Dennis Mangosi.
Mutsvangwa (44) and his co-accused, Ellas Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) are facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act following their arrest on 08 May 2024.
Mutsvangwa faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
The trio was granted US$1 000 bail each by High Court Judge Justice Rogers Manyangadze on 31 May 2024.
Neville is the son of ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica, is the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister.
Monica is also ZANU PF Women’s League’s Secretary for Administration.
Prosecutors allege Mumba Money Transfer, an unregistered company owned and founded by Mutsvangwa, was operating as a money transfer agent at its offices in town and in Mt Pleasant where the accused resides.
Detectives visited Mutsvangwa at his house and he reportedly refused to let them in. They had to gain access forcibly and found him hiding.
His alleged accomplice, Tichingana, came to the scene and claimed to be Mutsvangwa’s neighbour.
However, when his phone was searched it showed that it contained some transactions relating to Mumba Money Transfer, leading to his arrest.
Detectives also visited the Mumba Money Transfer office in town where Majachani was serving clients.
The police allegedly recovered US$3 890 cash, some computers, a register of transactions and Visa cards, among other things.
The accused persons are represented by their lawyers Josephine Sande-Chimombe and Mable Tarugarira.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa's Case Postponed To 18 July

Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa (44), and his co-accused, Ellas Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) were granted bail by High Court judge Justice Rogers Manyangadze on Friday morning.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused are facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act following their arrest on 08 May 2024.
Mutsvangwa faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
The bail conditions are as follows: to deposit US$1 000 with the clerk of court, not to interfere with witnesses, to reside at the given address, and to surrender their travelling documents.
Neville is the son of ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica, who is the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Frees Neville Mutsvangwa On US$1 000 Bail

The High Court in Harare is set to deliver its ruling on the bail application by Neville Mutsvangwa (44), Elias Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) on 31 May.
The matter was re-heard on Wednesday by the new judge assigned to the case, Justice Rogers Manyangadze.
The accused are facing three criminal charges of illegal foreign currency dealings following their arrest on 08 May 2024.
Mutsvangwa faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused were denied bail by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and appealed against the ruling at the High Court.
The previous judge on the case, Justice Esther Muremba recused herself from the case on Monday for “personal reasons.”
However, according to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/judge-quits-neville-mutsvangwa-case-after-being-summoned-to-state-house/">ZimLive,</a> Muremba recused herself from the case after she was summoned to State House to explain delays in the case.
Neville is the son of ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica, who is the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister.
Justice Muremba last week postponed the ruling on Mutsvangwa’s bail application to Monday, 27 May, because she had not received a full record of proceedings from the Magistrates Court.
Instead of delivering the ruling this Monday, Muremba said she was standing down from the matter “for personal reasons”.
Muremba reportedly informed the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that she felt “intimidated” after being summoned to the State House on Wednesday last week.
Muremba was hauled before President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and Neville’s mother, Monica.
The publication reported JSC sources as saying Mutsvangwa used the meeting to complain bitterly that the judge was mishandling the case.
Mnangagwa reportedly asked the judge to explain the status of the case. The judge allegedly said she had never been summoned to such a forum and she was uneasy. Said the source:
<blockquote>
She still explained that the delay in delivering her ruling on the bail application was a result of receiving the record from the magistrates court late.
Mnangagwa listened to her explanation and concluded that her actions were above board.
He also said as a lawyer he respected the independence of the judiciary and the judge was excused.
</blockquote>
The revelation that a judge was summoned by the president to discuss an ongoing case raises concerns in legal circles, as it seems to validate the notion that the judiciary is not independent of interference by ZANU PF elites.
Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa’s lawyer, Josephine Sande, argued that the prosecution has no case against Mutsvangwa and his co-suspects Majachani and Tichingana.
She said the Magistrates Court misdirected itself in denying bail to Mutsvangwa and his co-accused, arguing that the prosecution hinged its evidence on Visa cards which were seized from Mutsvangwa’s Mount Pleasant home.
Sande submitted that possession of Visa cards is not a crime, and neither is it evidence that someone is involved in illegal dealing with cash or money laundering.
In denying the three accused persons bail, Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi said the accused persons could be tempted to abscond.
He also ruled that police found overwhelming evidence that Mumba Money Transfer, a company owned by Mutsvangwa, was an unregistered entity dealing in foreign currency.
The magistrate also considered that the Police had difficulties in arresting Mutsvangwa. He first denied police entry to his Mt Pleasant house and then hid outside his house when police cut his electric fence and climbed over his gate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa Bail Ruling Set For 31 May

High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba has recused herself in the bail application for Neville Mutsvangwa, who is accused of violating the Exchange Control Act.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027479/judge-recuses-herself-from-mutsvangwa-bail-case">NewsDay</a>, Muremba said she is doing that for personal reasons. She then referred the record to the Registrar of the High Court for judge allocation.
Neville is the son of ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica, who is the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister.
Mutsvangwa (44) and his co-accused Elias Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana are facing three criminal charges of illegal foreign currency dealings.
He faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused were denied bail by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and appealed against the ruling at the High Court.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/more-days-behind-bars-for-neville-mutsvangwa-as-bail-ruling-is-postponed/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the High Court last week postponed the ruling on the case to Monday, 27 May, because the Investigating Officer’s typed record of proceedings was missing from the docket.
Mutsvangwa’s lawyer, Josephine Sande, argued that the prosecution has no case against Mutsvangwa and his co-suspects Majachani and Tichingana.
She said the Magistrates Court misdirected itself in denying bail to Mutsvangwa and his co-accused, arguing that the prosecution hinged its evidence on Visa cards which were seized from Mutsvangwa’s Mount Pleasant home.
Sande submitted that possession of Visa cards is not a crime, and neither is it evidence that someone is involved in illegal dealing with cash or money laundering.
In denying the three accused persons bail, Mangosi said the accused persons could be tempted to abscond.
He also ruled that police found overwhelming evidence that Mumba Money Transfer, a company owned by Mutsvangwa, was an unregistered entity dealing in foreign currency.
The magistrate also considered that the Police had difficulties in arresting Mutsvangwa. He first denied police entry to his Mt Pleasant house and then hid outside his house when police cut his electric fence and climbed over his gate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Judge Recuses Herself From Neville Mutsvangwa Bail Case

The High Court on Wednesday, 22 May, postponed its ruling on Neville Mutsvangwa’s bail application pending trial, to 27 May 2024.
Mutsvangwa (44) and his co-accused Elias Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana are facing three criminal charges of illegal foreign currency dealings.
He faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused were denied bail by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and appealed against the ruling at the High Court before Justice Esther Muremba.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/more-days-behind-bars-for-neville-mutsvangwa-as-bail-ruling-is-postponed/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the High Court postponed the ruling on the case because the Investigating Officer’s typed record of proceedings was missing from the docket.
Mutsvangwa’s lawyer, Josephine Sande, argued that the prosecution has no case against Mutsvangwa and his co-suspects Majachani and Tichingana.
She said the Magistrates Court misdirected itself in denying bail to Mutsvangwa and his co-accused, arguing that the prosecution hinged its evidence on Visa cards which were seized from Mutsvangwa’s Mount Pleasant home.
Sande submitted that possession of Visa cards is not a crime, and neither is it evidence that someone is involved in illegal dealing with cash or money laundering.
In denying the three accused persons bail, Mangosi said the accused persons could be tempted to abscond.
He also ruled that police found overwhelming evidence that Mumba Money Transfer, a company owned by Mutsvangwa, was an unregistered entity dealing in foreign currency.
The magistrate also considered that the Police had difficulties in arresting Mutsvangwa. He first denied police entry to his Mt Pleasant house and then hid outside his house when police cut his electric fence and climbed over his gate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Postpones Neville Mutsvangwa Bail Ruling

Suspected illegal money changer Neville Mutsvangwa will spend another weekend in remand prison after the High Court on Friday, 17 May, reserved judgment in his appeal for bail pending trial.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused Elias Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana are facing three criminal charges of illegal foreign currency dealings.
He faces a separate charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed Starlink router.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused were denied bail by Harare magistrate Denis Mangosi who remanded them on the foreign currency charges in custody to May 30.
They appealed against this denial of bail and through their legal counsel Josphine Sande took the matter to the High Court.
Justice Esther Muremba heard the appeal for bail and reserved judgment to Wednesday next week.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/another-weekend-in-custody-for-mutsvangwa/">The Herald</a>, Sande argued that the prosecution has no case against Mutsvangwa and his co-suspects Majachani and Tichingana.
She said the Magistrates Court misdirected itself in denying bail to Mutsvangwa and his co-accused, arguing that the prosecution hinged its evidence on Visa cards which were seized from Mutsvangwa’s Mount Pleasant home.
Sande submitted that possession of Visa cards is not a crime, and neither is it evidence that someone is involved in illegal dealing with cash or money laundering.
In denying the three accused persons bail, Mangosi said the accused persons could be tempted to abscond.
He also ruled that police found overwhelming evidence that Mumba Money Transfer, a company owned by Mutsvangwa, was an unregistered entity dealing in foreign currency.
The magistrate also considered that the Police had difficulties in arresting Mutsvangwa. He first denied police entry to his Mt Pleasant house and then hid outside his house when police cut his electric fence and climbed over his gate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa High Court Bail Ruling Set For 22 May

Suspected illegal foreign currency dealers Neville Mutsvangwa, Simbarashe Tichingana and Ellis Majachani were on Monday, 13 May, denied bail by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.
They are facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mutsvangwa is also facing another charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found unlawfully using Starlink equipment.
The trio will be back at the Harare Magistrates Court on May 30 for their routine remand awaiting trial.
In denying the three accused persons bail, Mangosi said the State was wrong in implying that they were likely to interfere with witnesses without supporting the claim with evidence. The magistrate said (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/article/more-jail-nightmare-for-neville-mutsvangwa-as-court-tosses-bail-bid/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
On interference, it is insufficient for the state to make merely bold assertions without supporting evidence.
Evidence was led from IO who submitted that they haven’t interfered with anyone; so the court will consider this not a valid reason.
</blockquote>
Mangosi, however, considered the other reasons given by the state in opposing bail. He said:
<blockquote>
On absconding, the state has to consider the risks of absconding.
Police details went to Mumba Money and seized some gadgets and articles where there is evidence of transfer of funds and in his defence, the first accused person (Neville) says he has free funds and can buy staff for people who in turn pay him.
In addition, police officers in uniform had to cut the electric fence where they searched only to find him hiding.
The defence by the accused is invalid. The fact is the company is an unregistered entity and was transacting with clients.
There is evidence that they were dealing in foreign currency. Accused one is a minister’s son and has connections and can sustain livelihood outside the country hence bail is denied.
</blockquote>
Neville’s father Chris, is the ZANU PF spokesperson, and his mother Monica, is the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister.
Neville and his co-accused were arrested last Wednesday. Detectives broke into Neville’s residence after he had refused to allow them in.
Tichingana was arrested after he went to Neville’s home pretending to be a concerned neighbour.
Majachani was caught at Mumba Money, a company owned by Neville.
Thomas Chanakira and Ruvimbo Matyatya prosecuted.
The suspects are represented by their lawyers, Josephine Sande Chimombe and Mable Tarugarira who indicated that they will now appeal against the refusal to grant bail at the High Court.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Here Is Why Neville Mutsvangwa, Alleged Accomplices Were Denied Bail

Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa (44), and his co-accused Ellas Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) have been denied bail.
The trio were remanded in custody to 30 May 2024.
Mutsvangwa, Majachani and Tichingana are facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mutsvangwa is also facing another charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act in that he was allegedly found unlawfully using Starlink equipment.
Mutsvangwa’s father Chris, who is the ZANU PF spokesperson, and his mother Monica, the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, allege the charges of illegal foreign currency trading against their son were fabricated.
They both claim Neville’s arrest is politically motivated.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa Denied Bail

Opposition politician Tendai Biti says the arrest of ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa’s son, Neville, shows that something is wrong within the ruling party.
Neville was last week arrested for allegedly illegally dealing in foreign currency and using Starlink internet services.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026856/zanu-pf-eating-its-own-children-biti">NewsDay</a> on Sunday, Biti said Neville’s arrest was a manifestation of political differences in ZANU PF and the weaponisation of the law. He said:
<blockquote>
The rule of law has always been abused and weaponised. The arrest of a Cabinet minister’s son clearly shows that something is wrong in ZANU PF.
The system is now eating its own children because of political differences and we have always said the law should not be weaponised against political opponents.
The law in the country has been privatised and is owned by some people.
</blockquote>
Neville’s mother, Monica, is the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
Biti said Mutsvangwa should not complain over his son’s arrest as he is part of the ZANU PF system.
NewsDay reported a ZANU PF source as saying Mutsvangwa risked being stripped of his position in ZANU PF. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The Mutsvangwas both Monica and Christopher have been ungovernable and they are suffering the consequences and very soon Christopher will be stripped of his ZANU PF spokesperson position. Christopher Mutsvangwa should realise that he is no longer wanted and has been used.
</blockquote>
Human rights lawyer Passmore Nyakureba, who is representing some of the illegal foreign currency traders who were arrested last month told NewsDay that there should be no selective application of law.
He stated that Neville’sarrest is what ordinary people have been going through. He said:
<blockquote>
The courts are treating him in the same manner they are treating other illegal foreign currency traders. There is nothing special about him.
It would be a selective application of the law to release one person because he is the son of a Cabinet minister. 
The law does not operate like that. Neville’s arrest is what ordinary persons have been going through.
</blockquote>
Political analyst Tendai Ruben Mbofana said “Neville’s arrest is just the tip of the iceberg” and suggested that there was deep factionalism in ZANU PF.
Neville and his co-accused Ellis Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Friday, 10 May. Their bail hearing was pushed to Monday, 13 May.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Now Eating It's Own Chidren, Biti Speaks On Neville Mutsvangwa's Arrest

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has intimated that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was to blame for his son’s arrest last week.
Mutsvangwa’s son, Neville, was arrested on Wednesday and subsequently appeared in court on Friday, 10 May, facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, and contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act.
In an interview with The Standard, as cited by<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/article/chris-mutsvangwa-rages-at-chiwenga-over-sons-arrest-absolves-mnangagwa/"> ZimLive</a>, Mutsvangwa did not name Chiwenga but left enough clues about the target of his attack.
He questioned Chiwenga’s liberation war credentials while insisting on his 44-year-old son’s innocence.
Mutsvangwa claimed that his son’s arrest was the work of adversaries who were “trying to abuse the judiciary system, hoping that I can have an attitude against the state.”
Last week, Mutsvangwa’s wife, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa, claimed her son’s arrest was politically motivated.
Mutsvangwa also said he had “established beyond any doubt” that Mnangagwa had not instigated the arrest. He added:
<blockquote>
… so it is somebody else who thinks that he is wearing the shoes of the head of state to manipulate the relationship between me and the president.
You know, the gate to power according to the Constitution is through an election, not through games and shenanigans and subterfuge… I don’t answer to ambitious individuals.
</blockquote>
His mention of “ambitious individuals” has been interpreted as a reference to Chiwenga’s reported ambitions to lead ZANU PF and become the country’s next leader when Mnangagwa’s second and final term ends in 2028.
Mutsvangwa also claimed his relationship with Mnangagwa was close, saying he was one of Mnangagwa’s “pioneer recruits to his office of personal assistant” at the age of 22 in 1978. He said:
<blockquote>
I was already working with the president. I think that proximity to him, my proximity to the president, they think through their post-independence proximity to the president they can influence him against me, or me against him.
It’s an impossibly long shot for the power ambitious ever to think they can drive a wedge into such a long, strong and revolutionary acquaintance between me and the president.
Persecuting my son as a carrot and stick to that nefarious enterprise will never yield the much-craved outcome.
</blockquote>
However, according to self-exiled former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi, no political or high-profile arrest happens in Zimbabwe unless they are authorised by the President. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
<blockquote>
No political or high-profile arrests in Zimbabwe happen unless authorised by the President. This is from Mugabe’s time to his successor. Get it from me, I speak with the authority of a victim and former Minister.
A Vice President unless Acting President cannot authorise the arrest of anyone, even as Acting unless he is of a sovereign &amp; strong mind will consult the President on the phone.
The President will also never admit that he plays this nefarious role, in public, to his direct or indirect victims nor to enquiring relatives or the public. The standard answer has always been ” Handisini, handizvizivi”.
Of course, it’s never him. That is the correct and standardized constitutional answer. Does any sane mind expect him to?
</blockquote>
Neville’s arrest came after the Government vowed to eradicate the illegal trade in currencies as it tries to shore up its new currency, the ZiG.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused Ellis Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Friday, 10 May. Their bail hearing was pushed to Monday, 13 May.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chris Mutsvangwa Blames Chiwenga For Son's Arrest, Absolves Mnangagwa

Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa (44), who was arraigned before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday, 10 May, with two others on allegations of dealing in currency, unlawful trading in cash, and money laundering, is facing another charge of contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), was allegedly found in possession of star link equipment. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
On the 9th of May 2024, the Police received a tip-off to the effect that the accused person was in possession of star link equipment.
The Police acted on the tip-off and proceeded to the accused person’s place of residence in Mount Pleasant where a star link router was recovered.
The accused person could not produce a license which gave him the authority to use the star link router.
The accused person was remanded in custody to Monday the 13th of May 2024 for continuation of his bail hearing.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused Ellas Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) were also before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing one count of contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with section 4(1)(a)(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 “Dealing in foreign currency”, one count of contravening the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and another count of contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Prosecutors alleged that during the period extending from 01 January 2019 to 08 May 2024, the accused persons formed Mumba Money Transfer services without a license in violation of the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act and Exchange Control Act.
The accused persons allegedly advertised on the internet directing clients to their offices in Harare. They employed a combination of electronic funds transfers and physical cash for their unlawful transactions, leveraging foreign bank accounts to obfuscate their activities.
Upon their arrest on Wednesday, 08 May 2024, Police recovered 4 smartphones, 45 sim cards, 4 computers, 1 point of sale (POS) machine, 28 debit cards (including 15 VISA cards issued by foreign banks), 3 money counters and a register of transactions and US$3890 cash.
The State opposed bail and called the investigating officer to give oral evidence. The Court adjourned mid-testimony. The bail hearing is set to continue on Monday, 13 April at 8:30 AM.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa In Court For Using StarLink Internet Service

Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa, the son of ZANU PF power couple Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa will spend the weekend behind bars after his bail hearing was pushed to next week.
Mutsvangwa and his co-accused Ellis Majachani and Simbarashe Tichingana face charges of money laundering and dealing in foreign currency.
The full charges against the three were revealed when they appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi this Friday, 10 May.
<blockquote>
Count 1 – Contravening section 5(1)(a)(ii) if the Exchange Control Act Chapter: as read with Section 4 of the Exchange Control Regulations SI 109 of 1996 as amended by Section 2 of the Statutory Instrument 122A and Section 3 and 4(2) if SI 245 of 2018 – Dealing in Currency
Count 2 – Contravening Section 14 (1) of the Bank use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act Chapter 24:24 – Unlawful Trading in Cash
Count 3 – Money laundering as defined in section 8(1) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act – Money Laundering.
</blockquote>
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mutsvangwa-co-accused-sent-to-remand-prison-awaiting-bail-finalisation/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, appearing for the State, Thomas Chanakira opposed bail submitting that the suspects were facing very serious offences.
He argued that Money Laundering is very serious as the law provides that if convicted an accused will be supposed to pay a fine exceeding ZiG500 000 or an amount equivalent to the property involved and imprisonment of 25 years or both a fine and imprisonment. Chanakira further submitted:
<blockquote>
The accused are a flight risk. Mutsvangwa has already demonstrated a propensity to flee and this warrants his incarceration pending trial.
When a team of detectives visited his place of residence in Mt Pleasant to arrest him, they were initially denied entry.
They had to seek the assistance of ZRP Marlborough and were again denied entry into his premises.
The police officers had to apply minimum force and gain entry into the premises by cutting the electric fence and scaling the gate.
The officers conducted searches but could not find him.
They continued searching the whole yard only to find Mutsvangwa hiding in between the security wall and some sacks stashed with waste materials.
There is no justification why he was hiding. There is no justification why he was not cooperating with the police. That is indicative of his unwillingness to stand trial.
It is sufficient indication that if given a chance, the accused will flee the jurisdiction of this court to avoid trial.
</blockquote>
Chanakira also said Majachani and Tichingana do not deserve bail.
He said Tichingana misrepresented to the police that he was a neighbour when in fact he had connived with Majachani and Mutsvangwa to establish a company Mumba Money Transfer. Said Chanakira:
<blockquote>
We submit that the accused have connections and interests outside Zimbabwe as evidenced by foreign bank accounts that they hold.
An Estonian identity card was discovered from Mutsvangwa so the State believes that if granted bail the accused will evade this court’s jurisdiction.
</blockquote>
The prosecutor said 10 visa cards from South Africa, three from Zambia, and one from Mozambique were recovered which strengthens their fears of abscondment by the suspects.
He further argued that there is a likelihood of interference with witnesses and investigations because among the gadgets they seized were cellphones, laptops, sim cards, POS machines and debit cards.
Chanakira said if the suspects were released on bail, they will wipe all the data away, even without being in physical possession of the gadgets.
The investigating officer Blessing Mandizha corroborated the State’s submissions saying they waited for more than four and half hours before they gained entry into Mutsvangwa’s yard, only to find him hiding in trash.
Mutsvangwa is also accused of breaching the Telecommunications Act after he was found in possession of a Starlink kit which has not been licenced to operate in Zimbabwe.
Neville’s mother, Monica is the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and his father, Chris, is the ZANU PF spokesperson and chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Neville Mutsvangwa, Co-accused To Spend Weekend In Remand Prison

Police have confirmed the arrest of Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa and two other suspects for unlawful trading in cash.
Neville is the son of the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and ZANU PF spokesperson and former Zimbabwe Ambassador to China, Christopher Mutsvangwa.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Mutsvangwa (44), Elias Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38), are expected to appear in court on 10th May 2024. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa (44), Elias Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) for contravening section 14 (1) of the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act, Chapter 24:24.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that Neville was arrested on Wednesday at his Mt Pleasant home in Harare by detectives from the CID commercial crimes unit.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/article/monica-mutsvangwa-fumes-after-son-nabbed-for-illegal-foreign-currency-trading/">ZimLive</a>, this is not the first time that Neville has made headlines for the wrong reasons.
He was twice arrested for sexual offences. In the first instance, he allegedly raped a woman in Harare, and in the second instance, he allegedly tried to rape a second woman in Mutare. He was never convicted.
In 2019, police raided Neville’s office at 3 Sanfenand Flats on Fife Avenue in Harare where he was allegedly conducting illegal foreign currency deals. He was away but police found US$200,000.
Four detectives allegedly conspired with Mutsvangwa’s workers to under-declare the money found on the premises by seizing US$40,000 instead of the full amount.
It was alleged that by the time they got to the police station, the money had gone down to US$20,000. The four detectives were subsequently arrested for the theft of US$20,000.
Neville was also recently accused of undermining government policy after selling Starlink units in Zimbabwe, despite a POTRAZ ban.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Confirm Neville Mutsvangwa's Arrest For "Unlawful Trading In Cash"

Neville Mutsvangwa, the son of the Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, has been arrested on allegations of illegal forex dealings.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/neville-mutsvangwa-arrested-over-forex/">The Herald</a> reported sources as saying Mutsvangwa was on Wednesday, 08 May, picked up from his Mount Pleasant home by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Commercial Crimes Division on allegations of illegally trading in foreign currency.
Police arrested Mutsvangwa after her reportedly appeared to advertise the ZiG black market selling exchange rate of 18,5 to the US dollar, on his WhatsApp status.
This arrest came as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and other state institutions have intensified efforts to crack down on illegal money changers following the introduction of ZiG last month.
The authorities blame illegal currency dealing for distorting the exchange rate and devaluing the local currency.
The arrest of scores of street forex dealers has driven them underground and some are now using the WhatsApp platform to conduct deals.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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