In a surprising development, Tanya Rozina Rushesha, daughter of Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has successfully evaded a fraud trial following a settlement with her accusers. The charges against her were withdrawn just as she was set to appear in court.
Social media buzzed last Friday with reports of Rushesha’s arrest, which the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) later confirmed. She faced allegations from three individuals who claimed she scammed them while attempting to sell bulk fuel. Despite receiving substantial payments for large orders, Rushesha allegedly failed to deliver the promised fuel.
The ZRP has been tight-lipped regarding the case. When approached for comment, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated he had not received any updates about Rushesha’s arrest. Efforts to obtain a statement from Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri were also unsuccessful, as she was out of the country on official business in Zambia.
As her court date approached, the fraud charges were dropped after her accusers opted for a settlement, sparing her from a public trial. The specifics of this settlement remain unclear at the time of writing.
This incident is not isolated; in May, Neville Mutsvangwa, son of Women’s Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, was also arrested for illegal currency dealing, an event his mother claimed was politically motivated.
