Tafirenyika Says Husband Gifted Her US$9.3m Asset Portfolio

HARARE — Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika has told a Harare court that luxury properties and vehicles at the centre of a US$9.3 million money-laundering case were gifts from her husband, Collins Mnangagwa.

Tafirenyika, the wife of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, told the court on Monday that Collins had a substantial business empire capable of funding the acquisition of the assets. Her bail hearing was postponed to Wednesday, leaving her in custody. Tafirenyika, represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya, is accused of laundering proceeds allegedly generated from the unlawful dealing in pethidine hydrochloride, morphine sulphate and dagga.

The State says assets identified in Zimbabwe are valued at US$9,353,750, excluding a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number AHQ 2800, which has not yet been valued. The portfolio allegedly includes 10 properties in Harare's northern suburbs, among them a US$1.1 million house in Borrowdale Brooke, an US$850,000 property in Borrowdale, an US$800,000 property in Chisipite and another Borrowdale property valued at US$750,000. The State also listed luxury vehicles including two Lamborghinis valued at US$561,000 and US$577,300, a Bentley Continental valued at US$380,000, a Land Rover valued at US$380,000 and a Jaguar worth US$340,000.

State challenges gift explanation

During cross-examination, Rubaya challenged investigating officer Detective Assistant Inspector Gift Machipisa to dispute Tafirenyika's explanation that the assets were gifts from her husband. Machipisa told the court that police had evidence contradicting the explanation, including evidence that some properties were paid for in cash.

He cited a property in Victoria Falls whose owner allegedly confirmed receiving cash directly from Tafirenyika. Police have also secured vehicle registration records from the Central Vehicle Registry for nine vehicles, as well as title deeds and Deeds Registry searches relating to the 10 properties, the court heard. The State further alleges that police recovered a forged national identity document bearing the name Gertrude Badza from Tafirenyika.

State alleges unexplained wealth

Prosecutors allege that Tafirenyika has no employment or disclosed lawful income capable of explaining the acquisition of assets worth millions of dollars over a period of about three-and-a-half years. The State further alleges that she owns or controls 13 properties outside Zimbabwe, in Dubai and South Africa, and could flee the country if granted bail. The alleged forged identity document has also been cited as part of the State's argument that she poses a flight risk.

Rubaya challenged the investigating officer's affidavit, arguing that it was not properly commissioned because the signatory had not stated his rank. Tafirenyika was re-arrested last Thursday shortly after securing US$1,000 bail in a separate drug case. She is also on remand with her uncle, Isaac Jessub, on drug possession charges. The investigation has reportedly extended to three companies Apex Logistics Pvt Ltd, Royal Printing Pvt Ltd and With Three Investments Pvt Ltd — which police allege were used to conceal proceeds.

Police are pursuing banking and registry records and intend to seek assistance from authorities in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Machipisa told the court that investigators expect to complete the probe within two months. Magistrate Francis Mapfumo postponed the bail proceedings to Wednesday after Machipisa asked to be excused to attend his father's burial. Tafirenyika has not been convicted of the allegations and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Kelsea Tafirenyika US$9.3m assets