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Grace Mugabe's workers claims that property were gifts
30 May 2024 at 03:41hrs | Views
During their bail application before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, two of the four men arrested for allegedly stealing property from Grace Mugabe's Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale, Harare, claimed that they had been gifted the items by the former First Lady.
Allen Chinamonya (42), Danmore Chinamonya (35), Samson Karonga, and Brighton Bunganirwa (46), all formerly employed by Mugabe, were apprehended after allegedly pilfering household items, including cutlery valued at over US$500,000, from her residence.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti opposed their bail application, asserting that the suspects acted as part of a syndicate, with some accomplices still at large. He argued that their release could impede ongoing investigations, particularly since some of the stolen property had yet to be recovered.
Furthermore, Mutsokoti highlighted Brighton Muwunganirwa's prior conviction for a similar offense in 2022, for which he was fined ZWL$30,000. He contended that the likelihood of custodial sentences increases the risk of the suspects fleeing if granted bail.
However, Allen and Danmore Chinamonya pleaded not guilty, maintaining that they had not stolen the items but had received them as gifts from Grace Mugabe. Karonga similarly argued that he posed no flight risk as he resided at Mugabe's residence.
The court deferred the bail ruling to tomorrow, instructing the four men to return for further proceedings.
Allen Chinamonya (42), Danmore Chinamonya (35), Samson Karonga, and Brighton Bunganirwa (46), all formerly employed by Mugabe, were apprehended after allegedly pilfering household items, including cutlery valued at over US$500,000, from her residence.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti opposed their bail application, asserting that the suspects acted as part of a syndicate, with some accomplices still at large. He argued that their release could impede ongoing investigations, particularly since some of the stolen property had yet to be recovered.
Furthermore, Mutsokoti highlighted Brighton Muwunganirwa's prior conviction for a similar offense in 2022, for which he was fined ZWL$30,000. He contended that the likelihood of custodial sentences increases the risk of the suspects fleeing if granted bail.
However, Allen and Danmore Chinamonya pleaded not guilty, maintaining that they had not stolen the items but had received them as gifts from Grace Mugabe. Karonga similarly argued that he posed no flight risk as he resided at Mugabe's residence.
The court deferred the bail ruling to tomorrow, instructing the four men to return for further proceedings.
Source - newsday
