A 49-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Theresa Chenjerai, has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the release of armed robbers from prison and providing them shelter at her home.
Chenjerai, along with her accomplice, Munyaradzi Zakkaria, is accused of attempting to bribe a detective with US$150 to influence a court case, according to New Zimbabwe. The pair appeared in court on Saturday and were remanded in custody pending their bail hearing on March 3.
Authorities allege that Chenjerai leads a criminal syndicate involved in armed robberies.
She is married to Andrew Chenjerai, a suspected armed robber currently out on bail for two violent crime charges, with his trial scheduled for March 11. Investigators believe she played a role in securing his release.
Additionally, police claim she was instrumental in obtaining the release of Zakkaria, who had been serving time for two-armed robbery convictions. Following his release, she allegedly harbored him at her residence, raising suspicions that she was assembling a gang for further criminal activities.
The case came to light when Chenjerai and Zakkaria reportedly attempted to bribe Detective Sergeant Kwashira on February 27, seeking to manipulate his testimony in favor of 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.
During questioning, Zakkaria allegedly admitted that Chenjerai had sent him with the bribe, with phone records further linking them to the scheme.
Prosecutors are opposing bail, citing concerns that the suspects may interfere with the investigation or continue their criminal activities.
