The US$9.3 million asset trail at the centre of Kelsea Tafirenyika’s money-laundering case has brought her husband, Collins Mnangagwa, into sharper focus after she told the court that the properties and luxury vehicles were gifts from him.

Tafirenyika is fighting to secure bail while prosecutors seek to keep her in custody, arguing that the State has evidence linking the assets to suspected proceeds from alleged drug dealing and that she could flee using property and business interests outside Zimbabwe.

Her lawyer, Admire Rubaya, put the gift explanation to investigating officer Detective Assistant Inspector Gift Machipisa during cross-examination, challenging police to disprove Tafirenyika’s claim that assets registered in her name had been acquired through her husband.

The State disputes that account.

Machipisa told the court that investigators had “evidence contradicting that account, including evidence that some of the properties were paid for in cash.”

He pointed specifically to a Victoria Falls property, saying “its owner had acknowledged receiving cash from Tafirenyika.”

The case therefore turns not only on the value of the assets, but also on the source of the money used to acquire them and whether Tafirenyika can provide a credible lawful explanation for the accumulation of the wealth.

According to the State, assets identified in Zimbabwe are valued at US$9,353,750, although that figure does not include a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration AHQ 2800, which has not yet been assessed.

The portfolio includes 10 properties in some of Harare’s most affluent northern suburbs. Among them are a US$1.1 million Borrowdale Brooke house, an US$850,000 Borrowdale property, an US$800,000 Chisipite property and another Borrowdale property valued at US$750,000.

The vehicles add another layer of conspicuous wealth: two Lamborghinis valued at US$561,000 and US$577,300, a US$380,000 Bentley Continental, a Land Rover valued at US$380,000 and a Jaguar worth US$340,000.

Police say their case is supported by more than an assessment of Tafirenyika's lifestyle.

Machipisa said investigators had obtained Central Vehicle Registry records confirming nine vehicles and title deeds and Deeds Registry searches relating to the 10 properties.

“The State case does not rest upon inference,” he said, adding that it was based on “institutional records and in real evidence already in the possession of the Police.”

The State alleges that Tafirenyika has no known employment or declared legitimate income capable of explaining the accumulation of assets worth millions of dollars within approximately three-and-a-half years.

The investigation has also expanded beyond Zimbabwe. Police allege that she owns or controls 13 properties in South Africa and Dubai, an issue prosecutors are using to argue that she has access to foreign jurisdictions and could evade the authorities if granted bail.

Investigators have also raised a separate concern after allegedly recovering a forged identity document bearing the name Getrude Badza.

For the defence, however, the prosecution's case is being challenged both on substance and procedure.

Rubaya questioned the commissioning of the investigating officer's affidavit, arguing that the person who signed it failed to state his rank.

The bail application has also unfolded against the backdrop of another criminal case.

Tafirenyika was re-arrested last Thursday shortly after obtaining US$1,000 bail in a separate drug-related matter. She is jointly on remand in that case with her uncle, Isaac Jessub, with both accused of drug possession.

Police are now examining the possible role of three companies, Apex Logistics Pvt Ltd, Royal Printing Pvt Ltd and With Three Investments Pvt Ltd, which they allege were used to conceal and layer the suspected proceeds.

The investigation is increasingly taking an international dimension, with police pursuing banking information, property records and overseas assets and preparing to seek assistance from authorities in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Machipisa told the court that investigators expect to complete their work within two months.

The bail hearing was adjourned to Wednesday after the investigating officer asked to attend his father's burial.