SOCIALITE Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika and her uncle, Isaac Jassub, will remain in remand prison after a Harare court dismissed their bail application.
Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa ruled that the pair posed a potential danger to society if released, citing the nature of the drug offences they are facing.
The court heard that police recovered drugs from the accused during a raid. Some of the substances were reportedly foreign-manufactured and allegedly linked to use in Malawi.
The charges include possession of substances identified as pethidine, morphine and cannabis.
In dismissing the application, Magistrate Gofa stressed the importance of protecting the public from drug peddling.
The court ruled that the circumstances of the case justified keeping Tafirenyika and Jassub in custody.
They will remain in remand prison pending the commencement of their trial.
The case has drawn strong reactions on social media, with many commentators calling for equal application of the law regardless of status or wealth. Others warned about the long-term consequences of drug and forgery convictions for young people, while some called for asset forfeiture if the accused are convicted.
Selected comments include:
@YoungGee Mshandu: vanhu vane Mari vanofunga Kuti vari above the law, varombo ndivo vanovharirwa most of the Tym, munhu ngagare kujere
@Martha Rukuni: Haaa huslay queen mutsikidzi pakaipa
@Leeroy Wags: If convicted at 22 you already have a drug related and forgery conviction… this has a lifetime effect. Nenyaya yekungoda zvakapfava sehonye
@Carl Zambrano: Ngaambogaramo & all properties all over zim must be confiscated
