A security guard suspected to be linked to the dramatic US$4 million armed robbery that rocked Ecobank in October last year appeared in at the Bulawayo magistrates’ court on Friday facing money laundering charges.
Sibonginkosi Sibanda (49) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro to answer charges of money laundering and was remanded in custody to July 7 for bail hearing. He was initially charged with armed robbery together with Thokozani Zulu. Zulu was set free on Friday.
Sibanda was represented by a legal practitioner Prince Butshe Dube from Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers.
An investigation officer said they arrested Sibanda on July 2 at his place of residence.
"Bail must not be granted because Sibanda is facing a serious charge, the Hino truck is yet to be recovered and Sibanda is likely to dispose it.
“The people that he bought property from will be the state witnesses,” said the Investigation officer.
During cross examination of the defence council Dube asked the investigation officer on the issue of the CR code as it was of a wrong charge and not money laundering.
The investigation officer revealed in court that there was a typing error on the CR code of the court.
- MDC-A chickens out of by-elections
- Nedbank Zim parent unveils new listing plan
- Nedbank Zim parent unveils new listing plan
- Nedbank Zim parent unveils new listing plan
Keep Reading
Dube asked the investigation officer if they were in possession of title deeds for Sibanda's properties.
He asked if the investigation officer would also charge Sibanda’s wife since she was the one who had a contract with Bakers Inn for the use of the truck.
"Where do you get the evidence to use the vehicle against Sibanda when it is under someone else's name?” the lawyer probed.
The investigation officer told the court that they are yet to track the registration number from Zimra and the importation.
"A man must lose his liberty based on nothing, are you serious?," asked Dube.
The investigation officer said he has no comment.
Dube said the reason to return something cannot stand in trial cause you have nothing that links to Sibanda.
"You have to admit that offences of money laundering are commercial crimes and you agree that there is a certain department that is trained for that.They are properly trained,and confirm you are never trained in that department," Dube said.
The investigation officer agreed.
Dube said that as an officer you had no capacity to investigate the matter.
Dube concluded by applying a US$100 bail for Sibanda as he has no reasons to be denied bail and also saying he will not dodge any trial.
"After cross examination with the investigation officer, there is no tangible evidence that cannot hold my client responsible for the charge," he said.
