Former Gardener at Blue Roof Claims Grace Mugabe Gifted Him US$500K

Former gardener at Blue Roof, pleaded not guilty, arguing that Grace Mugabe gifted him property and cutlery worth more than US$500K .

The gardener, along with three other workers, were arrested for allegedly stealing property belonging to the former first lady Grace Mugabe.

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Court Proceedings

According to prosecutors, the suspects, Allen Chinamonya, Danmore Chinamonya , Samson Karonga, and Brighton Bunganirwa were once employed as gardeners and electricians.

“Allen was formerly employed at the Blue Roof Presidential residence as a groundsman and later as a driver from 2004 to 2022,” stated prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti. “Danmore was also formerly employed as a groundsman and later as a driver during the same period, while Karonga was still employed as an electrician at Blue Roof.”

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However, two of the suspects, the Chinamonya brothers, told the Harare magistrate that the items were given to them by Grace Mugabe.

Prosecution Opposes Bail

Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti vehemently opposed the suspects’ bail application. He cited that the involvement of an alleged syndicate and the need to recover more of the stolen property. Sergeant Oliver Guta, the investigating officer, informed the court that some of the accomplices remain at large.

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Prior Conviction and Risk of Jail Time Raised

The court also heard that one of the accused, Brighton Muwunganirwa, was previously convicted of a similar offence in 2022 and fined ZWL$30,000. Mutsokoti argued that the suspects face the likelihood of custodial sentences, making them flight risks if granted bail.

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