Harare – A dramatic scene unfolded in the Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday as former First Lady Grace Mugabe visibly broke down during the trial of five former employees accused of stealing from her and the late former President Robert Mugabe. The emotional outburst occurred as the stolen items were presented as evidence.
The five accused – Tendai Nyamudze, Allen Chinamonya, Danmore Chinamonya, Samson Karonga, and Brighton Bunganirwa – face charges related to the theft of a variety of items, ranging from seemingly mundane objects to what Grace Mugabe claims are priceless personal effects. Among the stolen items listed are an old plated table fork, a pictorial book titled “Robert Mugabe at 90,” welcome remarks from the late President Mugabe’s speech at the 1994 National People’s Congress, a discussion paper from a SADC meeting, and a collection of handbags and other personal effects.
The value of these stolen goods is a point of contention. While court papers initially listed the value at approximately US$500,000, Grace Mugabe testified that the total value is closer to US$3.5 million, a significantly higher figure. This discrepancy highlights the potential complexities and challenges of accurately assessing the value of such a diverse range of items, some of which hold significant sentimental value.
The emotional impact of the proceedings was evident when Grace Mugabe became visibly distressed upon seeing the recovered items. The magistrate was forced to adjourn the proceedings temporarily to allow her to compose herself.
#WATCH: Grace Mugabe gets queens treatment upon arrival at court were her five former employees are being charged with theft pic.twitter.com/FIRzmuGaaC
— NewZimbabwe.com (@NewZimbabweCom) November 20, 2024
Upon the court’s resumption, Grace Mugabe recounted the events leading to the discovery of the theft. She detailed how, in 2017, her family relocated from a ruling party-owned residence to their new home, Blue Roof, utilising four containers to transport their belongings. She confirmed her responsibility for the keys to these containers.
Grace Mugabe stated that she only became aware of the alleged theft in 2022, upon her return from Singapore, after being informed by her brother, Winston Marufu. This prompted her to file a police report. She vehemently denied the defendants’ claims that the items were gifts from her late husband, Robert Mugabe.
“In May, I noticed that the containers had been ransacked and many items were missing, although I can’t recall every single item that was taken. One of the accused was caught red-handed with chest drawers,” she testified. She emphasised that the former president had never gifted such items to these employees, particularly considering that other dedicated employees with over 30 years of service had not received similar gifts.
The prosecution, led by Oscar Madhume, outlined the events leading to the arrests. He explained that on May 22, 2024, Grace Mugabe visited the containers to select artefacts for donation to the African Liberation Museum, only to discover broken locks and numerous missing items.
Following the police report, an investigation ensued, resulting in the recovery of some of the stolen goods. Items valued at approximately US$2,000, including two men’s suits and a Sony television, were recovered from Allen and Danmore Chinamonya. Karonga was apprehended near the containers, unable to provide satisfactory explanations for his presence. Furthermore, Bunganirwa has a prior conviction for a similar offence against Grace Mugabe in 2022.
The trial continues, with the testimony of Grace Mugabe providing a powerful and emotional account of the events.
