First Lady Strikes Again: Own Hairdresser Arrested for Warning President’s Grandson, ‘Careful Of Dryer You’ll Get Injured!’Muruki webvudzi ra First Lady oSungwa Mushure Mekunyevera Muzukuru waPresident ED, “Chenjera okuvadzwa ne chiDryer Ichocho!”Fields relating to prior convictions or pending cases were marked “to be ascertained.”
Mutongi was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
She was later granted bail for USD50.
Accused Requested To Contact First Lady
During court proceedings, Mutongi requested permission to telephone First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to explain herself, highlighting her role as the owner of the salon where the incident occurred.
Legal Context
Section 41(b) of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law Code criminalises disorderly conduct in public places, including behaviour deemed to cause annoyance or disturbance.
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However, the court record indicates the events occurred inside the accused’s own business premises, where she issued a safety warning to a child handling electrical salon equipment.
The case remains pending before the Harare Magistrates Court, with Mutongi currently in custody as investigations continue.Court records identify the accused as Josephine Mutongi, the owner of Jessica Tie Hair and Beauty Technician salon, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street in Harare. Mutongi is also understood to be the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s own hairdresser, maintaining a professional relationship with the First Lady.She appeared at Rotten Row Magistrates Court facing a charge of disorderly conduct in a public place, as defined under Section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The complainant is listed in court documents as Brandon Gwande.According to the official remand record, the alleged offence occurred on 13 February 2026 at approximately 1400 hours, at Jessica Tie Hair and Beauty Technician salon, which is owned and operated by Mutongi.
The State alleges that Gwande visited the salon accompanied by his four-year-old son, identified during proceedings as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s grandson.
Court papers state:
“Accused person approached the informant’s son and reprimanded him to stop playing with the salon equipment as he could hurt himself.”
The child had reportedly been playing with a hair dryer when Mutongi issued the warning.The court record further alleges that Gwande became angry and reprimanded Mutongi. However, police claim Mutongi continued addressing the informant in what was characterised as a “disorderly manner.”Arrest, Police Processing, And Formal Charge
Mutongi was arrested on 13 February 2026 and formally processed under:
She appeared in court on 14 February 2026, where the case was formally recorded.
Bail Opposed By Police
Police opposed bail, stating concerns that the accused could interfere with witnesses.
The remand record states:
“Some of the witnesses work together with the accused at Corner Fifth Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street, Harare, hence there is a likelihood that the accused will interfere with witnesses.”
Investigators confirmed that investigations are ongoing and expected to be completed by 28 February 2026, with five possible witnesses identified.
