The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a Chinese businessman over allegations that he was involved in a scheme to smuggle lithium ore out of the country.
Ning Yaokun, also known as Tony, a co-director of Orequest (Pvt) Ltd, was taken into custody on September 10 after voluntarily presenting himself to investigators.
He is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court today for his initial remand hearing.
Yaokun is facing charges under the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02], including alleged smuggling in contravention of Section 182. He is also accused of attempted smuggling in terms of Section 189 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], as read with Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act, as well as unlawful dealing.
ZACC alleges that Orequest operated an unauthorised mineral-processing and dispatch facility at Plot 5, Cheltenham Park Drive in Ruwa.
According to investigators, lithium ore was stored and processed at the premises before being prepared for export.
The commission further alleges that members of the suspected syndicate relied on falsified documentation to move the mineral through Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
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Investigations have so far established that about 720 tonnes of unbeneficiated lithium ore were allegedly taken out of Zimbabwe through the scheme, although the exact financial loss suffered by the State has not yet been established.
ZACC said its investigations also resulted in the recovery of 420 tonnes of lithium ore.
Of the recovered material, 300 tonnes were seized from the Ruwa stockpile, while 60 tonnes were found in two containers abandoned at a truck stop in Lochinvar, Harare.
A further 60 tonnes were intercepted at Forbes Border Post.
Investigators also confiscated several pieces of equipment allegedly linked to the operation, including a jaw crusher plant, a front-end loader, TLB machines, a heavy-duty generator and 20 wheelbarrows.
Yaokun is not the only person facing prosecution in the case.
Other accused persons include Chinese national Minmin Song, Shuvai Muza and Charlene Chivandire. The three have already appeared in court and remain on remand.
Another suspect, who has only been identified as Malvern, is still at large.
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