By Kudakwashe Vhenge
Gweru-The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Management Committee today suspended Henrietta Rushwaya from her post as president following her arrest over a failed attempt to smuggle 6 kilogrames of gold at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday.
Rushwaya,the former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) chief executive officer, was suspended together with Gift Karanda, ZMF Secretary for External Affairs just after an emergency board meeting that was held in Gweru this afternoon.
Addressing journalists at just after the meeting, ZMF Management Committee chairperson, Makumba Nyenje said Rushwaya will be replaced by her deputy Marufu Sithole whilst Karanda’s position will be vacant awaiting further deliberations.
“As the management committee, we have received reports from the Secretary General and Treasurer General following the incident involving Rushwaya and Karanda. After strong deliberations pertaining the two, we have realized that they are appearing before the courts for attempting smuggle gold hence this committee had to move in swiftly.
“Our constitution stipulates that a member convicted of a criminal offence shall also seize to be a member of the national executive. Since the case is still before the courts, whilst awaiting the verdict this committee is recommending suspension of Rushwaya and Karanda from their offices until finalization of their matter or expiry of their term of office that comes on 14 June 2021 whichever comes first,” Nyenje said.
“Accordingly, the committee is recommending that Marufu Sithole as the first vice president takes over as acting president until the matter is finalized,” he added.
Meanwhile today the Zimbabwe Republic police issued a statement confirming the arrest of six more suspects in Rushwaya’s gold smuggling scandal.
“The ZRP confirms that six more suspects have been arrested in connection with the gold smuggling investigation on Henrietta Rushwaya. These are; Ali Mohamad, Gift Karanda, Stephen Chenjerai Tserayi, Raphios Mufandauya, Superintendent Shoko and Det. Chief Inspector Chimhungu,” Police said.
Police said all the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
