Crimes and Court Correspondent
In a recent development, Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi has issued a warrant of arrest for Chinese businesswoman Li Song, who is accused of evading customs duty payment of US$40,000 for imported sodium cyanide and hydrated lime.
Song, 52, who is currently on bail for fraud charges, failed to appear in court, with her lawyer Tymon Tabana citing health reasons.
Prosecutor Thomas Chanakira explained that Song had applied for rebates to import the chemicals in 2023, tasking her accomplice Bernadette Mukuku to follow up with ZIMRA. The ZIMRA station manager approved the application, but Song allegedly deceived ZIMRA, importing the chemicals under DGL9 Investments without paying duty or delivering them to the company.
“The offence dented DGL9 Investments’ good reputation and administration,” said Chanakira.
The complainant, Francesco Marconati, former managing director of DGL 9 Investments and DGL5 Investment, is seeking justice in the matter.
Song’s lawyer, Tabana, said, “She is not feeling well, and that’s why she couldn’t appear in court today.”
The warrant of arrest marks a significant step in the case, as authorities seek to hold Song accountable for her alleged actions.
Zim GBC News @ 2024