Robert Mugabe's relative and staff accused of stealing suitcase of cash to buy 'cars, homes and animals'
Trio charged over theft of £117,000 from deposed leader's house
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Three people including a relative of Robert Mugabe have appeared in court charged with stealing a suitcase containing $150,000 (£117,000) in cash from the former Zimbabwean president.
The suspected thieves are alleged to have spent the money on a house, cars and livestock including pigs and cattle.
Constancia Mugabe, 50, a relative of the deposed leader, is among the accused.
She is alleged to have given keys to Mr Mugabe’s house in rural Zvimba district to co-conspirators Johanne Mapurisa, 50, and Saymore Nhetekwa, 47, giving them access to the case.
The theft occurred sometime after 1 December, Chinhoyi magistrates heard.
State prosecutor Teveraishe Zinyemba told the court that Ms Mapurisa, a cleaner for Mr Mugabe, bought a Toyota Camry car and a house for $20,000 (£16,000).
Mr Nhetekwa, also a cleaner, spent his share of the cash on a Honda vehicle, pigs and cattle.
The three defendants were bailed to return on 24 January. Police are hunting a fourth suspect.
According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, the chief prosecution witness in the case is a manager at a charity run by Grace Mugabe, the former president’s wife.
Mr Mugabe, now 94, was forced out of office by Zimbabwe’s military in 2017.
During his 37-year reign, he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle while presiding over an economic crisis.
He has suffered from ill health since being deposed and has spent several months in Singapore for treatment.
It is unclear if he was at home during the theft.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments