Theresa Chenjerai, a 49-year-old woman from Zimbabwe, has been arrested on charges of orchestrating the release of armed robbers from prison and harboring them at her home. Chenjerai, alongside her accomplice Munyaradzi Zakkaria, is accused of offering a US$150 bribe to a detective in an attempt to influence a court case, according to New Zimbabwe. The pair appeared in court on Saturday and were remanded in custody, pending a bail hearing scheduled for March 3.
Police claim that Chenjerai leads a criminal group involved in armed robberies. She is married to Andrew Chenjerai, a suspected armed robber who is out on bail after facing charges for two violent crimes. Authorities suspect she helped secure his release from prison, and he is due to stand trial on March 11.
Additionally, police allege that Chenjerai played a role in securing Zakkaria’s release from prison, where he was serving time for two armed robbery charges. After his release, she reportedly offered him refuge at her home, raising concerns that she may be organizing a criminal gang for further illicit activities.
The case came to light when Chenjerai and Zakkaria allegedly attempted to bribe Detective Sergeant Kwashira on February 27, hoping to influence his testimony in favor of their associate, Nickson Tapuwa Mazaranye, who faces 15 robbery charges. The detective reported the bribery attempt, leading to a sting operation that culminated in Zakkaria’s arrest at Norton Police Station.
Zakkaria reportedly confessed that Chenjerai had sent him with the bribe, and phone records confirmed their involvement in the scheme. Authorities are opposing bail for the suspects, citing concerns that they may attempt to interfere with the investigation or continue engaging in criminal activities.