Theresa Chenjerai, a 49-year-old woman from Zimbabwe, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the release of armed robbers from prison and hiding them at her home.
Chenjerai and her accomplice, Munyaradzi Zakkaria, are accused of offering a US$150 bribe to a detective to influence a court case, as reported by New Zimbabwe. The two were brought before the court on Saturday and were remanded in custody until their bail hearing on March 3.
The police allege that Chenjerai is the leader of a criminal group involved in armed robberies. She is married to Andrew Chenjerai, a suspected armed robber out on bail for two violent crime charges. Authorities believe she helped secure his release from prison, and he is set to stand trial on March 11.
In addition, police claim that Chenjerai played a role in securing Zakkaria’s release, who was serving time for two armed robbery charges. After his release, she allegedly offered him refuge at her home, prompting concerns that she may be organizing a gang to engage in further criminal activities.
The case was exposed when Chenjerai and Zakkaria reportedly attempted to bribe Detective Sergeant Kwashira on February 27, hoping to influence the detective’s testimony in favor of their associate, Nickson Tapuwa Mazaranye, who is facing 15 robbery charges. However, the detective reported the bribery attempt, leading to a sting operation that resulted in Zakkaria’s arrest at Norton Police Station.
Zakkaria allegedly confessed that Chenjerai sent him with the bribe, and phone records confirmed their involvement in the scheme. Authorities are opposing the suspects’ bail, citing concerns that they may interfere with the investigation or continue their criminal activities.
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog