Zanu-PF Sets Conditions for Walter Mzembi’s Return to the Party

Zanu-PF Sets Conditions for Walter Mzembi’s Return to the Party

Zanu-PF has responded to speculation about whether disgraced former minister Walter Mzembi will be welcomed back into the party — and the message is clear: not so fast.

Mzembi, once Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, returned from self-imposed exile in Zambia last week and was promptly arrested at the airport. His legal troubles date back to 2018 when he fled while facing charges of criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property. At the time of his return, three warrants of arrest were still active due to his repeated failure to appear in court.

Rumours had swirled that Mzembi was scheduled to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa and could be lining up a political comeback, possibly even rejoining Zanu-PF.

But party spokesperson Farai Marapira poured cold water on those hopes in an interview with ZiFM Stereo this week. He made it clear that Mzembi is not automatically welcome — and if he wants back in, he’ll have to play by the book.

In simple terms, Marapira said Mzembi will need to formally apply and go through internal vetting processes like any other potential member. He stressed that the final decision would rest on whether the party sees value in readmitting him.

“If he wishes to rejoin, there are processes through which this is done, and if these processes are fulfilled and the requirements that are needed for his reentry are fulfilled again, then of course the party will take him in. The party is always looking for new members or old members to rejoin, but he has to be in fulfillment of the requirements and dictates of the party. It has to be in the party’s wisdom to see if it is worthwhile to readmit him or not to do so, so if he wishes to rejoin, I am sure he knows how to apply since he is a former member,” Marapira said.

Meanwhile, Mzembi remains behind bars after being denied bail. He’s expected back in court on July 1 when his corruption trial continues.

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