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Kelsea explicitly stated that the luxury properties and vehicles at the center of the US$9.3 million case were gifts from her husband, Collins Mnangagwa.
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Collins’s business empire: She claimed Collins has a “vast business empire” capable of funding all the lavish purchases—directly rebutting the State’s argument that she has no lawful income.
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Companies: The article confirms the three companies (Apex Logistics, Royal Printing, With Three Investments) are part of the investigation, but Kelsea is not quoted explaining her role in them; the State alleges they were used to conceal and layer proceeds.
Updated court proceedings & bail status:
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Bail hearing postponed: Her bail hearing was pushed to Wednesday (after the officer requested leave for his father’s burial)—she remains in custody in the meantime.
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Prior release overturned: She had been granted US$1,000 bail in a separate drug case and was released, but was immediately re-arrested on Thursday in this new money-laundering case.
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Defense challenge: Her lawyer, Admire Rubaya, challenged the investigating officer’s affidavit, arguing it was not properly commissioned because the signatory did not state his rank.
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State’s opposition to bail: The State is fighting her release, citing:
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Flight risk – she owns/controls 13 properties abroad (Dubai and South Africa).
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Forged ID – police recovered an alleged fake national ID in the name Getrude Badza, raising identity/fraud concerns.
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State’s counter-evidence against Kelsea’s “gifts” claim:
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Direct contradiction: Investigating Officer Machipisa told the court that police have “evidence contradicting that account”—including proof that some properties were paid for in cash.
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Victoria Falls property: The owner of a Victoria Falls property allegedly acknowledged receiving cash directly from Kelsea (not from Collins or a business entity).
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Documentary evidence: The State has already secured:
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Vehicle registration confirmations for 9 vehicles from the Central Vehicle Registry.
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Title deeds and Deeds Registry search results for 10 Zimbabwean properties.
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No lawful income: The State argues she has no employment or disclosed lawful source of income to explain acquiring millions of dollars in assets over ~3.5 years.
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Institutional records: The prosecution says its case does not rest on inference but on real documentary evidence and banking records already in police possession.
Companies & international reach:
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The three companies (Apex, Royal Printing, With Three Investments) are being investigated as vehicles to conceal and layer alleged proceeds.
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Police are pursuing banking records, registry documents, and foreign asset information, and intend to seek Mutual Legal Assistance from South Africa and the UAE.
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Investigation timeline: Expected to be completed within two months.
