By Staff Reporter
Harare- Francesco Marconati, a 66-year-old businessman who had been evading arrest for several days, was apprehended in Harare on Friday following a police manhunt.
Marconati appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody to Monday for a bail hearing. Prosecutors opposed bail, arguing that he is a flight risk, citing his alleged attempts to avoid arrest and previous violations of bail conditions.
His arrest reportedly followed a two-day search that ended at Duration Gold Limited’s (DGL) 5 Mine. Authorities allege that Marconati attempted to leave the premises through a weighbridge exit and entered a waiting Honda Fit in an effort to avoid police officers stationed at the main gate.
Marconati is facing fraud charges linked to the alleged unlawful takeover and re-registration of DGL 5 Mine. Investigators claim he acted in concert with Australian national Mark Andrew Hughes, who is believed to have since left Zimbabwe for South Africa.
According to affidavits filed by company directors Yan Bo and Ke Wang, the two men are accused of removing the existing leadership from official company records and appointing themselves as sole directors without authorization. The complainants argue that the changes were made while legal disputes over the mine were still pending before the courts.
The case has also drawn attention from residents in the Inyathi area, where the mine is located. Community members have previously raised concerns over security issues at the site, including an incident involving a fatal shooting allegedly connected to mine security personnel. Some residents have expressed frustration over what they perceive as limited avenues to air their grievances.
Marconati is expected to return to court for his bail application, where the state is expected to maintain its opposition based on concerns that he may abscond. The matter remains under investigation.
