Harare – The sudden death of Kudzai Keita in a tragic car accident on Tuesday morning has left many questions unanswered, shrouding the life of this enigmatic businessman in mystery.
The accident, which also claimed the life of his mother and left his wife, social media personality Lonlisha, seriously injured, has sparked intense speculation about Keita’s background and activities.
The first striking feature about Keita was his uncommon surname, “Keita,” a name strongly associated with West Africa, particularly Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. This unusual name, shared by legendary figures like the Malian singer Salif Keita and the 1970 African Footballer of the Year, adds to the intrigue surrounding his life. How a Zimbabwean came to bear this surname remains a mystery.
Adding to the enigma, Keita reportedly used several names, including Edward Takaendesa and Okolo, a Nigerian name. The reasons behind his use of multiple identities remain unclear, though his lifestyle, as showcased on social media, suggested a man of significant wealth. He flaunted a collection of luxury cars and opulent properties, raising questions about the source of his considerable fortune.
Speculation abounds regarding Keita’s business dealings. Sources suggest he was a prominent figure in the diamond trade, operating both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“He was a key figure in diamonds both in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He was well known in that trade and he was quite smart because he had a way of doing his business which was different from others,” a source revealed.
The high-stakes nature of the diamond trade, often shrouded in secrecy, lends itself to the rumours surrounding Keita’s activities. Some suggest his public display of wealth was unusual for someone in his line of work.
However, his flamboyant lifestyle wasn’t without incident. Reports indicate Keita was involved in a previous accident last Friday in Harare, the details of which remain unclear. A source described it as “not just an ordinary accident,” suggesting something more sinister.
“He had another incident or you can call it an accident recently which almost cost him his life and he felt he needed to seek some kind of protection… It wasn’t your normal accident, you will know with time, it was something else and you will get the details.”
This previous incident, coupled with his alleged reliance on hired vehicles for business dealings, further fuels speculation.
“He would hire cars from different car sales which he would use for his deals,” the source added. This practice, according to the source, was followed by trips to South Africa, where he would enjoy a lavish lifestyle. “Kudzi was a smart dealer,” the source concluded.
Further evidence of questionable dealings emerged when H-Metro uncovered a police report filed in June. A woman reported being defrauded of US$8,000 in a transaction allegedly involving Keita.
“If you investigate well, you will get the full story from that woman. On the day she was defrauded, those who hit her were using a hired Honda Fit. The case was reported.”
The circumstances surrounding Keita’s death, combined with these allegations, paint a complex picture of a man who lived a life of luxury but also operated in the shadows. While the cause of the fatal accident remains under investigation, the questions surrounding his business practices and multiple identities are likely to persist.
The tragic accident has left a trail of unanswered questions and a legacy of mystery surrounding the life and death of Kudzai Keita.
