The ManicaPost
Nyasha Mapasa Post Correspondent
A MARANGE man appeared before a Mutare magistrate on allegations of possessing five pieces of diamond without a permit on Monday.
The diamond pieces had 13.11 carats and valued at $1 115.
Augustine Majaya (43), of Tinoengana Village under headman Chiadzwa in Marange, appeared before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing charges of dealing in or possession of diamonds without a permit or licence.
He denied the allegations, but Mr Mahwe remanded him in custody to August 19 for sentencing.
Prosecutor Mr Brian Goto told the court that on February 19, 2019, at around 8am, Detective Assistant Inspector Dliwe Mpofu (40), received information that the accused person was illegally in possession of diamonds and was on his way to Mutare along the Mutare-Masvingo highway.
Mpofu teamed up with three other detectives — Sergeant Elliot Muchariona, Sergeant Ushe Magune and Constable Collen Chidhakwa and intercepted the car that Majaya was driving at Mutare Teacher’s College.
The court heard that the police officers searched the accused person who was still seated on the driver’s seat and recovered five pieces of diamonds from his right hand.
Majaya failed to produce the permit allowing him to be in possession of the diamonds, leading to his arrest.
Majaya, however, denied the allegations saying he was not in possession of any diamonds.
“I was driving a Toyota Run and on board there was another passenger. We were both searched and nothing was recovered.
“I was not in possession of any diamonds. The said diamonds were recovered from the motor vehicle, not on me,” he said.
