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Grace Mugabe breaks down in court
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Former First Lady Mrs. Grace Mugabe broke down in tears during a court session on Tuesday as some of the stolen personal items belonging to her late husband, former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, were handed back to her. The emotional scene prompted the presiding magistrate, Ms. Esthere Chivasa, to call for a brief adjournment to allow Mrs. Mugabe to regain composure.
Theft from the Blue Roof Residence
The case involves four former employees - Allen Chinamonya (42), Danmore Chinamonya (35), Samson Karonga, and Tendai Bunganirwa - facing charges of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances.
The accused allegedly broke into 11 containers stored at the Mugabe family's Blue Roof residence in Borrowdale, which contained household items moved there from Zimbabwe House following Mr. Mugabe's retirement in 2017.
The stolen property, valued at approximately USD 500,000, included television sets, clothing, cutlery, bed covers, bathing towels, and other household goods. Police have so far recovered items worth about USD 2,000.
Mrs. Mugabe's Testimony
In her testimony, Mrs. Mugabe recounted how Allen, a former family driver, was caught with some of the stolen goods. She accused Samson Karonga of orchestrating the thefts, claiming he had been implicated in previous incidents.
"Allen was caught with some of the stolen goods, but I strongly suspect Karonga. He has been linked to every case of theft that has occurred," Mrs. Mugabe told the court.
Defence Claims Items Were Gifts
The defendants, represented by lawyer Renetty Takudzwa Kuchidza, have denied the charges. In their defence, they argued that the containers were stored in an accessible car park, and the items in question were given to them as gifts by the late former president.
Discovery of the Theft
The theft was uncovered in May 2024 when Mrs. Mugabe attempted to retrieve artefacts belonging to her late husband for donation to the African Liberation Museum. Upon opening the containers, she discovered broken padlocks and missing items.
A subsequent police investigation led to the arrest of the accused and the recovery of several items from their residences, including suits, bed covers, and a television set.
Ongoing Trial
The trial continues, with the State seeking to prove the quartet's involvement in the theft. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police has commended the investigative team for their work, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
The case has attracted significant public attention, with many closely following the proceedings as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Zimbabwe's former leader and the challenges faced by his family after his passing.
Theft from the Blue Roof Residence
The case involves four former employees - Allen Chinamonya (42), Danmore Chinamonya (35), Samson Karonga, and Tendai Bunganirwa - facing charges of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances.
The accused allegedly broke into 11 containers stored at the Mugabe family's Blue Roof residence in Borrowdale, which contained household items moved there from Zimbabwe House following Mr. Mugabe's retirement in 2017.
The stolen property, valued at approximately USD 500,000, included television sets, clothing, cutlery, bed covers, bathing towels, and other household goods. Police have so far recovered items worth about USD 2,000.
Mrs. Mugabe's Testimony
In her testimony, Mrs. Mugabe recounted how Allen, a former family driver, was caught with some of the stolen goods. She accused Samson Karonga of orchestrating the thefts, claiming he had been implicated in previous incidents.
"Allen was caught with some of the stolen goods, but I strongly suspect Karonga. He has been linked to every case of theft that has occurred," Mrs. Mugabe told the court.
The defendants, represented by lawyer Renetty Takudzwa Kuchidza, have denied the charges. In their defence, they argued that the containers were stored in an accessible car park, and the items in question were given to them as gifts by the late former president.
Discovery of the Theft
The theft was uncovered in May 2024 when Mrs. Mugabe attempted to retrieve artefacts belonging to her late husband for donation to the African Liberation Museum. Upon opening the containers, she discovered broken padlocks and missing items.
A subsequent police investigation led to the arrest of the accused and the recovery of several items from their residences, including suits, bed covers, and a television set.
Ongoing Trial
The trial continues, with the State seeking to prove the quartet's involvement in the theft. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police has commended the investigative team for their work, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
The case has attracted significant public attention, with many closely following the proceedings as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Zimbabwe's former leader and the challenges faced by his family after his passing.
Source - The Herald
