Third bail bid fails as Mnangagwa son’s in-law mark 28 days in custody
Three women linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Collins have been denied bail for a third time in a Bulawayo drug case, meaning they have now spent 28 days behind bars since their arrest on August 19. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance on September 30.
Amina Jassinta Jessub Arab, 47, her daughter Dyonne Tanaka Tafirenyika, 28, and their relative Noreen Jessub, 51, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla on Wednesday, September 16.
The trio was arrested at a lodge in Ilanda, Bulawayo, on August 19 and faces charges of dealing in dangerous drugs.
Their lawyer, Admire Rubaya, argued that the passage of time and delays in the investigation amounted to changed circumstances.
He told the court: “The accused persons are languishing in prison while the state and police are dilly-dallying.”
The defence also questioned the absence of forensic evidence previously placed before the court and challenged the validity of affidavits relied upon by prosecutors.
Prosecutor Vhumani Moyo opposed the application, arguing that the defence had not established sufficient new circumstances to justify another bail hearing.
He said forensic results relating to the alleged drugs had been received by prosecutors shortly before Wednesday’s proceedings.
Moyo also argued that the defence was attempting to revisit issues that had already been considered during the earlier bail applications.
The women were initially denied bail on August 24 and subsequently lost a High Court appeal.
According to ZimLive, the three will remain in custody until September 30, when they are expected back in court.
The State alleges that cocaine and crystal methamphetamine were recovered from rooms occupied by the accused, while US$53,055 (approximately R875,408) was allegedly found in Tafirenyika’s room. These allegations have not been tested at trial.
The case therefore moves into its next phase, with the three women having spent nearly a month in remand custody. *_-iHarare_*
