Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Paul Nyathi said Hwengwere was arrested in Kariba, on the Zimbabwean side of the border with Zambia, following a visit to Zimbabwe’s northern neighbour.

“He was arrested for leaving the country with Zimbabwean dollars exceeding the limit of cash that is allowed, which is $100 000,” the police spokesperson said.

A 375 ml of Coke is currently selling at more than $150 000.

Nyathi would not immediately say how much Hwengwere had in his possession.

“All I know is that he would be appearing at the Karoi magistrate court on Tuesday,” he added.

Hwengwere has been working as a consultant in South Africa.

Last year, the former ZBH boss told a Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) organised workshop that working for the state-run national television station is stressful, as one has to bow to political pressure at the expense of audiences.

“I was juggling with political issues, sometimes I would be forced to please a bigger party at the expense of a smaller one. In South Africa public broadcasting is raw and relevant. SABC is all over the place, it is a commercial, public and political broadcaster,” said Hwengwere.

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