An Indian national, Bharat Keshibha Marani (52), appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs. Jessie Kufa on Monday, August 3, 2026, facing charges of attempting to smuggle 6,597.97 carats of diamonds through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Marani faces three counts, including smuggling, dealing in precious stones without a license, and violating the Immigration Act.
According to reports, Marani, a regular visitor to Zimbabwe, arrived on June 18, 2026, on a holiday visa and was scheduled to depart by July 17, 2026. On July 30, he arrived at the airport intending to fly back to India. His suitcase was scanned by an Aviation Company of Zimbabwe officer, Colleta Machiwana, who noticed a suspicious container.
CID Minerals detectives were alerted and summoned Marani, who had already boarded the plane. Upon opening his suitcase, a silver container with a thick black paste was found. Marani failed to produce documents authorizing him to possess or export the diamonds and was subsequently arrested. The diamonds, weighing 1,400 grammes and valued at US$62,456.91, were assayed by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe. Marani was remanded in custody pending his bail application.
Key Players Involved
- Bharat Keshibha Marani: Indian national accused of diamond smuggling.
- Mrs. Jessie Kufa: Harare regional magistrate presiding over the case.
- Colleta Machiwana: Aviation Company of Zimbabwe officer who detected the suspicious container.
- CID Minerals: Detectives involved in the arrest.
- Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe: Conducted the assaying of the diamonds.
Event Timeline
- June 18, 2026: Marani arrives in Zimbabwe on a holiday visa.
- July 17, 2026: Marani’s holiday visa was due to expire.
- July 30, 2026: Marani attempts to depart Zimbabwe with the diamonds.
- August 3, 2026: Marani appears in Harare regional court.
