Bulawayo Drug Kingpin Gary Bell Released After Being Granted Bail

Gary Bell, a high-profile socialite from Bulawayo convicted on drug charges, has been released from custody after he received bail. The High Court approved his bail, set at US$500, as he awaits the hearing of his appeal against his recent conviction and sentence.

The decision to grant bail came after the State conceded that the presiding magistrate in the original trial had not provided sufficient justification for imposing a custodial sentence.Prosecutors acknowledged that for offences typically resulting in sentences of 24 months or less, courts ordinarily consider non-custodial penalties such as fines or community service.

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Case That Landed Gary Bell In Trouble With The Law

Bell, 42, was sentenced to an 18-month prison term last month, with six months suspended, following his conviction for possession of illegal narcotics. The conviction stemmed from a law enforcement operation on Valentine’s Day, which led to the discovery of cocaine and ecstasy. The arrest occurred during a late-night raid at an upscale Bulawayo establishment, prompted by an anonymous tip-off.

Subsequent searches at Bell’s Burnside residence allegedly uncovered additional evidence, including powder-laced razor blades, digital scales, and sachets of cocaine concealed within a jewellery box. The total estimated street value of the confiscated substances exceeded US$500.

Bulawayo Drug Kingpin Gary Bell Granted Bail

Bell’s legal representative has consistently argued that procedural errors marred the investigation and maintains that the evidence was planted. The court considered several factors for bail, including the likelihood of the appeal’s success, the potential flight risk of the accused, and the fundamental right to personal liberty.

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Now free, Bell has publicly declared his intention to clear his name fully. The upcoming appeal will ultimately determine whether the socialite’s conviction is overturned or if he must return to serve the remainder of his sentence.