Mnangagwa's daughter-in-law claims laundering proceeds were gifts from husband

Kelsea Tafirenyika will remain in custody until Wednesday after her bail hearing in a US$9.3 million money-laundering case was postponed, with her lawyers telling the court that the luxury properties and vehicles under investigation were gifts from her husband, Collins Mnangagwa.

Tafirenyika, who is married to Collins, one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's sons, is accused of acquiring assets worth US$9,353,750 using proceeds allegedly linked to the illegal dealing in pethidine hydrochloride, morphine sulphate and dagga.

Through her lawyers, Tafirenyika reportedly told the court that the properties and vehicles were gifts from her husband and that he was capable of acquiring the assets because of his extensive business interests.

However, investigating officer Detective Assistant Inspector Gift Machipisa disputed the explanation, telling the court that police had evidence they say points to Tafirenyika having acquired at least some of the assets herself.

Machipisa reportedly cited a property in Victoria Falls, where the owner allegedly confirmed receiving cash directly from Tafirenyika.

The investigating officer said police had obtained title deeds, Deeds Registry searches and vehicle registration records relating to nine vehicles as part of their investigation.

Police also allegedly recovered an identity document which they claim was forged and bore the name Getrude Badza.

Machipisa told the court that approximately 10 witnesses were expected to testify and that investigations were still underway.

The State is also relying on allegations that Tafirenyika owns 13 properties in Dubai and South Africa, which Machipisa said could give her the means to leave the country if released on bail.

Tafirenyika's lawyer, Afmire Rubaya, challenged the State's opposing affidavit, arguing that it had not been properly commissioned.

Rubaya reportedly argued that the person who signed the affidavit had failed to state his rank, raising questions over the document's validity.

The bail application comes after Tafirenyika was re-arrested last Thursday, shortly after being released on US$1,000 bail in a separate drug-related matter in which she is jointly charged with her uncle, Isaac Jessub.

The State's case alleges that the assets under investigation were acquired using proceeds from alleged narcotics dealings.

Tafirenyika has not been convicted of the allegations and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The bail hearing was postponed after Machipisa asked the court to excuse him so that he could attend his father's burial.

Magistrate Francis Mapfumo granted the request and postponed further proceedings to Wednesday.

Tafirenyika will therefore remain in custody until the court resumes the bail hearing, when the State and defence are expected to continue presenting arguments on whether she should be released pending trial.