Mnangagwa’s In-Laws Detained as Police Probe Alleged Money Laundering

By staff Reporter
BULAWAYO – Police have reportedly stopped an apparent attempt by the mother and sister of Collins Mnangagwa’s second wife, Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, to leave Zimbabwe amid an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and the acquisition of properties.

A private Bombardier Global Express jet scheduled to fly the two women to Dubai was grounded at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo on Wednesday night. The aircraft was reportedly cleared to depart on Thursday morning, but the two women were not on board.

Law enforcement sources identified the detained women as Amina Jassinta Jessub Arab, Tafirenyika’s mother, and her sister, Dyonne Tanaka Tafirenyika. The two had reportedly travelled to Bulawayo to board the flight, apparently hoping to avoid detection by authorities.

The aircraft, registered as A6-AFC, had four crew members on board. Authorities reportedly prevented it from departing on Wednesday night, initially citing the absence of staff at the airport control tower.

The detention came as police continued investigating allegations involving Tafirenyika, who was arrested on August 4 on drug possession charges. She was expected to be released on bail following a High Court ruling, but investigators were reportedly preparing to arrest her again on additional charges.

Sources said detectives were waiting outside Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison following her release.

Arab was previously detained in Harare on August 13, when police reportedly seized a Land Cruiser as part of the investigation. She has alleged that she was assaulted while in custody, while photographs circulating online appeared to show bruising on her body.

Investigators are reportedly examining at least 54 properties allegedly acquired using millions of dollars said to have been taken from Collins Mnangagwa, who is reported to have interests in several mining operations. Police are said to have recovered around 13 of the properties, including vehicles and houses.

Some of the assets were allegedly registered in the names of Tafirenyika’s relatives, including her mother and sister.

The investigation has also reportedly raised allegations concerning the relationship between Tafirenyika and Collins. Sources claim that First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has accused Tafirenyika of introducing her son to drugs and subsequently taking advantage of him financially.

There are also unverified allegations involving claims of a traditional ritual or “spell” that was allegedly intended to influence Collins. These claims have not been independently verified.

Collins Mnangagwa is reportedly in Dubai receiving rehabilitation for drug addiction. Sources further claim that he has continued supporting Tafirenyika, including assisting with her legal expenses and the planned Dubai trip.

Neither Collins Mnangagwa nor Auxillia Mnangagwa has publicly commented on the allegations.

Repeated attempts to obtain comment from police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi were reportedly unsuccessful.

The allegations remain unproven, and those named in the report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.