Neville Mutsvangwa, son of Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, faced a setback in court as Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi denied him bail. Mutsvangwa is implicated in various criminal charges, including money laundering, dealing in foreign currency, and breaching the Telecommunications Act. Alongside Mutsvangwa, Simbarashe Tichingana and Ellis Majachani are also facing charges.

Magistrate Mangosi justified his decision by expressing concerns that Mutsvangwa’s familial connections and apparent access to free funds might tempt him to abscond jurisdiction. The court reconvenes on May 30 to further address the case.

“Accused is a minister’s son and has connections and can sustain a livelihood outside the country.

“The court finds that if granted bail, the accused may flee because they are a flight risk, hence bail denied,” he ruled.

The state, represented by Prosecutor Thomas Chanakira, vehemently opposed bail, citing Mutsvangwa’s resistance to arrest, which allegedly involved obstructing police officers for hours until discovered hiding behind refuse bags. Chanakira underscored the gravity of the charges, highlighting potential sentences of up to 25 years if convicted and indicating the presence of substantial incriminating evidence against all three defendants.