Mnangagwa's daughter-in-law in court on drug charges

KELSEA Tadiwa Tafirenyika, the second wife of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's twin son Collins, appeared before the courts on Wednesday facing charges of unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs after police allegedly recovered pethidine, morphine and cannabis during a raid at her Harare home.

The 22-year-old was remanded in custody until Thursday for a bail hearing after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) indicated it would oppose her release pending trial.

According to the prosecution, detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit acted on information received on August 4 alleging that Tafirenyika was selling pethidine from her residence in Greystone Park.

The State alleges that when detectives entered her bedroom at around 8pm, they found her seated on her bed counting ampoules.

Investigators claim they recovered eight ampoules of Fresenius pethidine, 10 ampoules of Verpat pethidine and seven 1ml ampoules of Fresenius morphine sulphate before conducting a more extensive search of the property.

The prosecution further alleges that officers found an additional 72 ampoules of Verpat pethidine, 64 Fresenius pethidine ampoules and 43 ampoules of morphine sulphate in bedroom drawers.

Police also allege that a search of a white Lamborghini parked at the property uncovered five rolls of cannabis concealed in the driver's armrest.

According to court documents, the recovered drugs, which were seized as exhibits, have an estimated value of US$204.

The NPA is opposing bail, arguing that investigations are ongoing and that Tafirenyika's release could prejudice the case.

In an affidavit before the court, investigating officer Detective Sergeant N. Charuma said police were still pursuing the alleged supplier of the drugs.

"The police are yet to arrest the drug trafficker who supplied the accused with the dangerous drug so if released on bail this will jeopardize investigations," the affidavit states.

The investigating officer also argued that the accused presents a flight risk.

"The accused was found in possession of Verpat Pethidine designed for sale in foreign markets indicating that she has foreign ties she can utilise to evade prosecution," Charuma said.

The State further contends that Tafirenyika could allegedly re-establish contact with the suspected supplier if released and that the seriousness of the offence, which carries the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence upon conviction, increases the likelihood that she may abscond.

Separate allegations concerning Collins Mnangagwa's health and family matters have circulated in connection with the case. These include claims from unnamed sources that he was recently sent to Belarus for rehabilitation and allegations that Tafirenyika supplied him with drugs and used his money to acquire properties. There are also claims that First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa demanded her arrest and intends to recover properties allegedly purchased with her son's funds.

These allegations have not been tested in court, no evidence supporting them was presented in the proceedings described above, and Tafirenyika has not been convicted of any offence. The case remains before the courts, with the bail application expected to be heard on Thursday.