Zimbabwe police re-arrested on Thursday Zanu-PF businessman James Makamba along with two senior executives from his cellular network company, Telecel.
The company’s managing director Anthony Carter and company secretary Edward Mutsvairo are currently in custody with Makamba, with all three being accused of ”externalising foreign currency”.
Police claim Telecel sold 40% of its shares, worth about $70-million, outside Zimbabwe without permission from the central bank.
Under Zimbabwean law, no dealings involving foreign currency can be made without permission from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena said: ”Telecel received money through its roaming service, but only $200 000 was remitted to Zimbabwe.”
In April this year, Telecel was fined Z$374,2-million on similar charges.
Makamba, who earlier this year spent seven months in prison before being acquitted, was arrested at Harare International Airport while allegedly on his way to South Africa.
He is now being accused of buying a house and three motor vehicles with foreign currency without permission.
In a related event, police have also arrested the owner of Zimbabwe’s luxury Malilangwe Lodge, near the south-eastern town of Chiredzi.
Anthony De La Harpe is accused of exporting over $4-million, almost R7-million and 33 600 euro. – Sapa