Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, the 22-year-old second wife of Collins Mnangagwa, was remanded in custody on Wednesday following her arrest over allegations of dealing in dangerous drugs. She is the daughter-in-law of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Appearing before a Harare magistrate, Tafirenyika was ordered to remain behind bars until Thursday when her bail application will be heard. Prosecutors successfully argued that releasing her could compromise ongoing investigations into a suspected drug supply network.
Drugs Seized During Greystone Park Raid
Detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit raided Tafirenyika’s Greystone Park residence on Tuesday night acting on a tip-off. Police allege they found her in her bedroom counting ampoules before recovering more drugs from drawers.
According to court papers, officers seized 154 ampoules of pethidine, 50 ampoules of morphine sulphate, and five rolls of dagga. The recovered drugs have an estimated street value of US$204.
Why Prosecutors Opposed Bail
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Neverd Charuma told the court that police have not yet arrested the supplier who allegedly provided the drugs to Tafirenyika. He argued that freeing her on bail would allow her to contact the supplier and jeopardise the investigation.
Prosecutors also said that some of the drugs found in her possession were packaged for foreign markets, suggesting she has international ties that could make her a flight risk. The State further argued that because the offence carries a lengthy custodial sentence, she might abscond, and that she could re-offend if released.
The magistrate remanded Tafirenyika in custody to Thursday for the bail hearing.
