MNANGAGWA DAUGHTER-IN-LAW TO SPEND WEEKEND IN REMAND AS LAWYERS CLAIM ‘FAKE ID’ MAY HAVE BEEN AI-GENERATED
HARARE — Kelsea Tafirenyika, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law, will spend the weekend behind bars after her lawyers claimed the disputed identity document at the centre of her latest prosecution may have been generated using artificial intelligence.
Magistrate Francis Mapfumo reserved his decision on her bail application until September 1, after the State strongly opposed her release.
Tafirenyika is charged under the Civil Registry Act after allegedly possessing an identity document issued in the name of Gertrude Baeza, which prosecutors allege is fraudulent.
Her lawyers — Admire Rubaya, Everson Chatambudza, Malvern Mapako and Kangai — attacked the document’s authenticity, arguing that it may have been generated or manipulated using AI.
But prosecutors say their biggest concern is that Tafirenyika could flee if released.
13 PROPERTIES ABROAD
Investigating officer Gift Machipisa told the court that Tafirenyika owns more than 13 properties outside Zimbabwe, mainly in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
He said authorities were engaging Interpol over efforts to recover the foreign assets.
Machipisa argued that her international property interests, coupled with the prospect of assets in Zimbabwe being forfeited if she is convicted, give her a strong incentive to flee.
The State therefore wants her kept in custody while the case proceeds.
But the disputed ID charge sits within a far wider investigation into Tafirenyika’s alleged wealth.
THE US$9 MILLION ALLEGATION
Police allege that Tafirenyika accumulated a property portfolio worth approximately US$9 million using proceeds from illicit drug dealing.
She denies the allegations, including claims of drug dealing and money laundering.
Tafirenyika says properties in Zimbabwe cited by investigators were gifts from her husband, Collins Takunda Mnangagwa, and that his business interests gave him the means to “spoil” her.
She has also told investigators that her arrest was being orchestrated by detractors of the First Family, rather than being driven by genuine
drug-enforcement concerns.
RE-ARRESTED AFTER RELEASE
The latest charge came after Tafirenyika was re-arrested on Thursday, shortly after being released from remand in connection with the separate money-laundering allegations.
She was then brought before the court over the disputed identity document.
Tafirenyika will remain in custody pending Mapfumo’s September 1 ruling on bail.