A member of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family has been convicted of trying to smuggle gold worth over $330,000 (£272,000).

Henrietta Rushwaya, who is president of Zimbabwe Miner’s Federation, was caught with bars weighing 6kg in 2020.

She was travelling from Harare to Dubai when the contents of her handbag were picked up by the airport scanner.

Ms Rushwaya said she had picked up the wrong bag, but she was charged with presenting an invalid export licence.

All exports of gold must be accompanied by a permit.

Ms Rushwaya is not related by blood to Zimbabwe’s president but in the traditions of their Shona ethnic group, she is considered his niece.

She has been remanded into custody and awaits sentencing on 10 November.

Source:BBC