Mnangagwa Daughter-In-Law Denied Bail In US$9 Million Money-Laundering Case

Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo has denied bail to Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, the daughter-in-law of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is facing charges of allegedly laundering US$9 million.

Mapfumo ruled that Tafirenyika has sufficient financial resources to sustain herself outside Zimbabwe and could therefore pose a flight risk if released on bail.

The magistrate described her as “liquid”, arguing that her financial position could make it difficult for the court to ensure that she remains within the jurisdiction until the conclusion of her case.

Tafirenyika, 22, is the second wife of Collins Mnangagwa, the President’s twin son.

She was arrested on August 4 and is facing drug possession and money-laundering charges.

State Alleges Properties Were Bought With Drug Proceeds

Police allege that Tafirenyika acquired properties using proceeds from a drug-dealing operation.

Her defence has reportedly maintained that the properties were purchased for her by Collins.

The allegations remain before the courts and have not been proved.

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Tafirenyika’s mother, sister and aunt are separately facing drug-related charges.

The bail ruling comes about a week after Tafirenyika, through her lawyers, apologised to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa over a separate dispute involving members of the First Family.

Lawyers Appeal For Amicable Resolution

Tafirenyika’s lawyers, Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza, wrote to the First Lady last week denying that their client had participated in what they described as a scandal involving the First Family.

The lawyers said Tafirenyika was “very sorry that this issue has escalated to such great heights” and “profusely apologises for what has befallen the name of the first family”.

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They said she had reflected on the events and was committed to taking steps towards an amicable resolution.

The lawyers also denied that Tafirenyika was part of an alleged campaign to scandalise the First Family.

They attributed the allegations to “others, opportunists, detractors and adversaries of the first family”.

The letter followed reports alleging that First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa had confronted Tafirenyika’s mother, Amina Jessub Arab, over claims involving Collins and assets allegedly worth more than US$10 million.

Those claims are separate from the criminal charges currently before the court.