By Court Correspondent
The money-laundering case involving President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law, Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, reached another critical stage on Tuesday after the court deferred its ruling on her bail application to Wednesday.
The development came as her uncle and co-accused, Isaac Arab Jessub, was granted bail under strict conditions following his arrest and the seizure of his passport during a police operation that also resulted in the arrest of other family members in Bulawayo.
Tafirenyika is facing charges relating to an alleged US$9.3 million asset portfolio, comprising properties and luxury vehicles that the State alleges were acquired using proceeds from drug-related activities.
She is represented by lawyers from Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, alongside co-defence counsel Tiriwamambo Kangai of Samukange and Venturas Legal Practitioners.
During the bail proceedings, the defence strongly challenged the State’s case, arguing that the properties under scrutiny were legitimate matrimonial assets and gifts from Tafirenyika’s husband, Collins Mnangagwa.
The defence further questioned the investigators’ reliance on lists circulating on social media, arguing that such information was unverified and should not be relied upon when official records from the Deeds Registry were available.
The lawyers also addressed the public controversy surrounding the case, telling the court that Tafirenyika had written to President Mnangagwa and the First Lady to apologise for the manner in which her legal troubles had allegedly been used by social media commentators and political opponents to attack the image of the First Family.
The defence also sought to challenge key aspects of the State’s opposing affidavit as it pressed for Tafirenyika’s release pending trial.
With Jessub having already secured bail, attention has now shifted to Tafirenyika’s application.
She will, however, remain in custody overnight, with the magistrate expected to deliver the bail ruling on Wednesday morning.
