THE driver of a hearse used to smuggle 10 pistols and banned Broncleer cough syrup, and his assistant were on Friday denied bail by a Beitbridge magistrate who went on to grant US$100 bail to the pistols' owner.
Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba ruled that the hearse driver Mehluli Nkomo (35), of Entumbane, Bulawayo, and his assistant Wellington Ndhlovu (34) of Cowdray Park also in Bulawayo, were both a flight risk.
The two are employed by South African funeral services company, Flair Funeral Parlour.
Priscah Kabanda, 54, the owner of the smuggled pistols was, however, granted bail on condition she would remain at her given home address and report once a week at Chiredzi Police Station until the matter is finalised.
"There have been no compelling reasons for this court to deny this accused person bail," said Gwazemba.
He added: "Accused 2 (Nkomo) and 3 (Ndhlovu) showed they have connections and can cross the border without passports and are not good candidates for bail. Accused one (Kabanda) will pay US$100 bail. She is to report once a week at Chiredzi Police Station."
The three were accused of smuggling 10 brand new Retay F29 84FS 9mm calibre PAK pistols, 40 reflective vests and two boxes of Broncleer cough syrup on June 24 this year concealing the contraband in a hearse carrying a deceased person. Lawyer Muchihwande Sithole of Chauke and Associates represented Kabanda while Pithey Magumula of Musina Law Attorneys represented Nkomo and Ndhlovu.
Ronald Mugwagwa prosecuted.
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