President Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law splashes US$7m on upmarket properties in 18 months
Kelsea Tafirenyika, 22, second wife of President Mnangagwa’s son Collins allegedly acquired 10 prime Harare properties worth over US$7 million in just 18 months despite having no formal employment. The list includes 10 upscale homes in Borrowdale, Gunhill, Highlands, Mount Pleasant, Vainona, and Chisipite, with the priciest at US$1.1M (25 Carrick Creagh Rd).
The portfolio includes luxury homes in Harare’s upscale suburbs: Borrowdale (27 Fisher Ave, 14 Kingsmead Rd, 39 Rayl Rd, 12 Borrowdale Rd), Gunhill (8 Gunhill Ave), Highlands (22 Enterprise Rd), Mount Pleasant (17 Churchill Ave), Vainona (31 Alpes Rd), and Chisipite (6 Whitwell Rd). The most expensive is 25 Carrick Creagh Rd in Borrowdale Brooke, valued at US$1.1 million. Total estimated value: US$7,045,000.
Prosecutors are expected to use this property trail as evidence in her ongoing fraud and dr#g case, where she faces charges of using a fake ID (Gertrude Badza) and possession of pethidine, morphine, and cannabis. The State argues she poses a flight risk, with some seized drugs allegedly destined for foreign markets.
Tafirenyika and her uncle, Isaac Arab Jessub, remain in custody after a dramatic court hearing where defence lawyers alleged police brutality.
The case took a dramatic turn after they allegedly told the court that they were assaulted by police during their arrest.
The defence claimed that the two were heavily beaten by CID Drugs and Narcotics officers during a raid at Tafirenyika’s Greystone Park home. They allegedly had their phones taken and were forced to sign seizure documents.
The investigating officer denied the assault allegations. However, the magistrate cleared the courtroom and privately inspected the injuries the two claimed to have suffered. The magistrate then ordered both accused to undergo medical examinations while in custody.
The court also heard that Tafirenyika allegedly used a fake ID in the name of Getrude Badza for business. She and Jessub are also facing drug-related charges after police allegedly recovered pethidine, morphine and cannabis.
The two remain in custody, with a ruling on their bail application expected on August 12.
