Harare – The daughter of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Tanya Rozina Rushesha, has been detained by police on charges of fraud, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga of high-profile corruption cases in Zimbabwe.
The 35-year-old businesswoman, known for her successful ventures in aviation, mining and finance, is accused of defrauding three individuals in a series of botched fuel deals.
The arrest, which took place on Friday, has sent ripples through the country’s political and business circles, raising questions about the extent of corruption within the ruling elite and the potential for nepotism in the awarding of lucrative contracts.
“She approached these business owners saying she sells bulk fuel and they placed large orders after giving her money. She has failed to deliver,” a law enforcement source revealed, shedding light on the alleged modus operandi of the alleged scam.
Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi, when contacted for comment, stated that he was “yet to receive any information” regarding the arrest, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the case.
Tanya’s arrest comes just months after Neville Mutsvangwa, the son of Women’s Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, was arrested on charges of illegal dealing in currency in May. His mother, like Muchinguri, claimed the arrest was politically motivated, accusing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of orchestrating the move.
While the current allegations against Tanya focus on fuel dealings, her life story is intertwined with intrigue and speculation. Born Tanya Rozina Rushesha on 3 January 1989 to Oppah Muchinguri and Tapiwa Rushesha, online reports have alleged that she is the lovechild of Oppah and former President Robert Mugabe, a claim that Muchinguri has vehemently refuted.
Fueling the rumours were allegations made during Tapiwa Rushesha’s divorce from Oppah, where he cited his wife’s alleged extramarital affair with the president as the reason for their separation. A former bodyguard of the president, Mushori, further fuelled the speculation, claiming that Tanya’s success at a young age was due to her connection to the head of state. This is according to a Wikipedia-like website, Pindula.
Despite the swirling rumours, Tanya has carved a path for herself in the business world, attending Arundel School where she completed her O’ Levels at the tender age of 15. She went on to pursue a foundation program at Sunway University in Malaysia, followed by a degree in Business Marketing and Management at Monash University in South Africa.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish several companies, including Air Bonfare Aviation School, Women Starting Over microfinance company, a mining company in Penhalonga called Tronhem (Pvt) Ltd, and Tabula Rasa Investments (Pvt) Ltd. She even obtained a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) from Air Bonfare Aviation School, a testament to her ambition and drive.
However, the recent allegations of fraud have cast a shadow over her accomplishments, raising questions about the source of her success and the potential for abuse of power within the ruling elite.
While Muchinguri, the powerful defence minister who is also the ruling Zanu PF chairperson, was unavailable for comment as she was returning from an official trip to Zambia, the arrest of her daughter has sparked a wave of speculation and scrutiny. The case is likely to be closely watched, not only for its potential implications for the political landscape but also for its potential impact on the business community.
