UAE: Girl dies in attempt to clear brother’s name

Marie Mukete died in her room in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was discovered by her co-tenants.

Her ordeal started two years ago when she invited her brother to come to Dubai for a job offer. Marie allegedly contacted a visa agent Zelieu Etienne, who carried out his duties without reproach.

But the family would later be shocked by what the agent did. Marie’s junior brother was allegedly given a parcel by the agent from Cameroon to Dubai. But the content of the parcel was marijuana substance which is prohibited in the UAE.

He was eventually arrested upon arrival but Marie only got to know four days later. Her brother narrated how his bags were screened and they found the drugs.

Concerned individuals have flooded his social media Facebook page to accuse him of causing harm to the family of Marie Mukete.

The drugs were traced to the parcel given by Zelieu who later agreed under duress, sources close to the incident narrated.

But police found no incriminating evidence to arrest him. This meant that Marie’s brother would remain in jail for life.

Two years later, Marie Mukete who is reported to have high blood pressure gave up the ghost on December 25, 2024. Relatives and friends believe that the brother’s situation caused her death as she used every penny left to prove his innocence.

The accused Zelieu Etienne is still walking free but has not made any statement yet. CNA was unable to reach him via his social media handles.