Court Rejects Walter Mzembi’s Freedom Bid in US$2 Million TV Donation Case

Court Rejects Walter Mzembi’s Freedom Bid in US$2 Million TV Donation Case

Former foreign affairs minister Walter Mzembi has lost his bid to avoid prosecution after a Harare court dismissed his application to stop a theft of trust property case against him.

Mzembi had tried to argue against being placed on remand, but Magistrate Donald Ndirowei refused his request on Monday. The court did not give reasons for rejecting the application.

The 61-year-old ex-minister was arrested on June 14 after returning to Zimbabwe from a seven-year self-imposed exile. His legal troubles date back to 2018, when he was initially charged with theft of trust property but was allowed to travel to South Africa for cancer treatment.

Court Blocks Walter Mzembi’s Freedom Bid

Mzembi failed to return to court after leaving for treatment, resulting in three warrants of arrest being issued against him. Following his recent arrest, magistrate Ndirowei ruled that Mzembi had deliberately skipped court and cancelled his previous bail.

The case has now been postponed to Friday, 18 July 2025, when the court is expected to set a trial date.

Charges Linked to 2010 World Cup Equipment

Mzembi’s charges relate to his time as Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality minister. Prosecutors accuse him of abusing his position by donating television sets, worth US$2 million and meant for the 2010 FIFA World Cup fan parks, to Emmanuel Makandiwa’s church in Chitungwiza.