Collins Mnangagwa’s In-Laws Denied Bail in Bulawayo Drug Case

A Bulawayo magistrate has denied bail to three relatives of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Collins Mnangagwa, who are facing charges of dealing in dangerous drugs. Amina Jassinta Jessub Arab, 47, her daughter Dyonne Tanaka Tafirenyika, 28, and their relative Noreen Jessub, 51, appeared before magistrate Taurai Manuwere on Monday. The trio was remanded in custody until September 3, 2026. The women were arrested last Wednesday at a lodge in Bulawayo’s Ilanda suburb following a police search of their rooms.

Magistrate says State has strong case

Manuwere rejected the bail applications, saying the State had presented a strong case and that the seriousness of the alleged offences, combined with the possibility of imprisonment, increased the risk of absconding.

“The State has a strong case against the accused persons,” Manuwere said.

He noted that the alleged drugs and a substantial amount of money were reportedly recovered from rooms occupied by the accused.

“Cocaine and Crystal meth are serious drugs and in the event that there is a conviction, there could be a possible custodial sentence. Such a possibility or likelihood can influence absconding,” the magistrate said.

The court also considered that the three women do not permanently reside in Bulawayo and have valid passports and access to significant financial resources, factors the magistrate said could make it easier for them to leave the city or country.

Cocaine, crystal meth and US$53,055 allegedly recovered

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), police allegedly recovered drugs from all three women’s rooms. Two sachets of cocaine, reportedly valued at ZiG9,000, were allegedly found concealed inside a shoe in Jessub’s room. In Arab’s room, police allegedly discovered two sachets of cocaine hidden inside a small bag.

The NPA alleges that Tafirenyika’s room contained a sachet of crystal methamphetamine, another sachet of cocaine and US$53,055 in cash. The prosecution opposed bail, describing the evidence as “overwhelming” and arguing that the three women were flight risks. Prosecutors also alleged that the cash could be proceeds of crime because its source had allegedly not been explained.

Defence challenges prosecution case

Defence lawyer Brezhnev Mathonsi argued that the three were suitable candidates for bail.

He said the State was already holding their passports and argued that there was no realistic risk of interference with witnesses because investigators had already collected evidence from the scene.

“The state already has all their passports, and there are no witnesses that could be interfered with as the state has already collected all its evidence at the scene,” Mathonsi said.

Mathonsi also challenged the prosecution's evidence, arguing that several security agencies were involved in the search and suggesting that this created the possibility that the drugs could have been planted.

He further asked the court to ensure that Arab receives a medical examination following her allegation that she was assaulted, with the resulting report to be included in the case file. The three accused remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 3.

Collins Mnangagwa in-laws denied bail