Paul Nyathi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), has officially announced the apprehension of Neville Mutsvangwa, the son of former Presidential Advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa, on charges related to illegal foreign currency trading. Nyathi disclosed that Neville is scheduled to appear in court on Friday following his arrest, which unfolded dramatically when ZRP’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers apprehended him at his residence in Mt Pleasant on Wednesday.

Neville faces allegations of engaging in unauthorized trading of the government’s newly introduced ZiG currency against the US dollar, a widely preferred currency. Prior to his arrest, Neville reportedly posted a WhatsApp status indicating his trading activities at ZiG18.75 for US$1, whereas the current official rate stands at ZiG14 per US dollar.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Neville Sunungurai Mutsvangwa (44), Elias Majachani (45) and Simbarashe Tichingana (38) for contravening section 14 (1) of the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act, Chapter 24:24.

“The trio is expected to appear in court on 10th May 2024,” said Nyathi.

Citing Section 41 (1) of the law, which prohibits individuals other than financial institutions or moneylenders from exchanging negotiable instruments for cash at a premium, the authorities have brought charges against Neville.

In response to her son’s arrest, Monica Mutsvangwa, Neville’s mother, has vehemently defended his innocence, alleging that the arrest is politically motivated. She claimed that the police took advantage of her absence on international duty to apprehend Neville.

Neville and his associates are among the more than 100 individuals arrested in an ongoing crackdown against illegal money changers nationwide. The police operation aims to discourage potential currency traders from engaging in illicit activities.