Former First Lady Grace Mugabe was overcome with emotion and cried uncontrollably while testifying in a theft case involving stolen property belonging to her late husband, former President Robert Mugabe.
During the trial at Harare Magistrates’ Court, Grace Mugabe broke down as suits and shirts stolen from her late husband were presented to her.
The incident was so distressing that Magistrate Esthere Chivasa had to adjourn proceedings briefly to allow her to regain composure.
The case involves four former employees—Allen Chinamonya (42), Danmore Chinamonya (35), Samson Karonga, and Tendai Bunganirwa—accused of unlawful entry and theft of household items from the former First Family.
In her testimony, Grace Mugabe revealed that Allen, the family’s former driver, was caught with some of the stolen goods. She also expressed her suspicion that Karonga was the mastermind, noting his involvement in previous theft incidents.
Details of the Alleged Theft
However, the defendants’ lawyer, Renetty Takudzwa Kuchidza, stated that his clients deny all charges.
The suspects argued that the containers, which held the stolen items, were stored in a car park accessible to many people.
They also claimed that some items were given to them as gifts by the late Robert Mugabe for their loyalty to his family.
The court heard that in 2018, Grace Mugabe moved 11 containers filled with household goods to her Blue Roof residence after her husband retired. She secured the containers with padlocks, but between 2018 and May 2024, the accused allegedly broke into the containers, stealing items such as clothing, television sets, cutlery, and towels.
Police Investigation and Recoveries
On May 22, while selecting artefacts to donate to the African Liberation Museum, Mrs. Mugabe discovered broken locks and missing items. She reported the theft to a Superintendent.
Following investigations, detectives searched the suspects’ residences. At Allen Chinamonya’s home, police recovered suits, bed covers, and a television set. Suits and shirts were also found at Danmore Chinamonya’s house, and Mrs Mugabe identified them as part of the stolen property.
The total value of the stolen property is estimated at US$500,000, although only goods worth US$2,000 have been recovered so far.