The 23 mansions, supercars, millions in cash were gifts from Mnangagwa’s son Collins — Kelsea Tafirenyika (aged 22) tells court
_… She denies being a drug dealer, says it’s impossible to attain such wealth from selling drugs in Zimbabwe…_
Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika has presented a new defence in her money laundering case, telling a Harare court that luxury properties and vehicles worth more than US$9 million, which prosecutors allege were bought using drug proceeds, were gifts from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Collins Mnangagwa.
Tafirenyika remains in state custody after making the claim during her bail hearing on Monday. The magistrate postponed the continuation of proceedings to Wednesday, when the court is expected to further examine the alleged origins of her wealth.
The State alleges that Tafirenyika built a multimillion-dollar financial empire through proceeds from illicit drug sales. Court documents presented by prosecutors show that she allegedly owns a domestic property portfolio valued at more than US$9.3 million, consisting of 10 high-value properties in upmarket Harare suburbs, including Borrowdale Brooke.
The assets listed by prosecutors also include nine luxury vehicles, among them Lamborghinis, Bentleys and a Rolls Royce. The State further alleges that Tafirenyika owns 13 additional properties outside Zimbabwe, including assets in South Africa and Dubai.
However, during her bail application, Tafirenyika disputed the allegations, telling the court that the properties and vehicles were not purchased through criminal proceeds but were gifts from her husband.
The money laundering charges were added after a police raid on her Greystone Park residence on August 4. Detectives allegedly recovered more than 200 ampoules of pethidine and morphine from her bedroom, while five rolls of cannabis were allegedly found inside her Lamborghini.
Last Thursday, High Court Justice Pisirayi Kwenda granted Tafirenyika US$1,000 bail on the initial charges of drug possession and dealing. She was, however, immediately taken back into custody following her arrest on the separate financial crime allegations.
The case comes as members of Tafirenyika’s extended family also face drug-related charges. On the same day she told the court that her wealth came from gifts, a Bulawayo magistrate denied bail to her mother, Amina Jassinta Jessub Arab, her sister Dyonne Tanaka Tafirenyika, and relative Noreen Jessub.
The three were arrested at a Bulawayo lodge last week after police allegedly discovered cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and more than US$53,000 in cash in their rooms.
The investigations and court proceedings continue as authorities probe the alleged sources of the family’s wealth and possible links to narcotics-related activities. *_-ZimboLive_*
