FUGITIVE Israeli Orthodox Jewish rabbi and rosh yeshiva affiliated with the Breslov Hasidic movement, Rabbi Eliezar Berland (77), who fled from his country last year after being accused of sexually abusing female followers, was yesterday remanded in custody pending sentencing today for overstaying in Zimbabwe. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Berland, who was represented by lawyer Sindiso Mazibisa, appeared before Bulawayo senior magistrate Sibongile Msipa to answer a charge of contravening Section 29 (1) (b) Chapter 4:02 and Section 29 (2) (a) of the Immigration Act (enter or remain in Zimbabwe without visitors’ entry certificate and remaining in the country).
Msipa convicted and remanded Berland in custody to today for sentencing.
Indications are that Berland remained in the country after his visa had expired and although he is alleged to have fled criminal accusations in his own country, Israel has not made any extradition request.
It emerged that at the time he was arrested, he had already bought an air ticket to leave the country.
Prosecutor Caroline Matanga indicated that on April 7 this year at around 7pm, detectives from border controls stationed at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and the immigration officers received information that Berland was still in the city.
They tracked him down and found him yesterday and asked for his passport and permits.
On production of his documents, the officers discovered that he had overstayed and arrested him.
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Berland is reportedly still wanted by Israeli police who are kin to question him over alleged sexual abuse of female followers.
Berland first left Israel for Morocco where he lived for seven months before being expelled.
He then came to Zimbabwe in November 2013 accompanied by four men.
Berland’s son, grandson and several other close followers were reportedly arrested in Israel last year for alleged fraud, embezzlement and money laundering.
