By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Former Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi had his bail revoked on Tuesday, as a Harare magistrate ordered his immediate return to prison ahead of his corruption trial, which is scheduled to resume on July 1.
Mzembi, 61, had been out on bail while facing charges related to criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property stemming from allegations during his time as tourism minister.
The magistrate, Donald Ndirowei, dismissed Mzembi’s legal team’s argument that he had been undergoing treatment for cancer in South Africa and was unfit to attend court.
His lawyers, led by Killian Mandiki, claimed that the former minister had decided to return to Zimbabwe after his health improved. However, Ndirowei expressed skepticism, stating that the medical report presented did not convincingly prove Mzembi’s incapacity to travel, noting that the report was dated from 2025, despite the health issues allegedly originating in 2020.
Ndirowei emphasized that there was a “gap” in the medical evidence and concluded that Mzembi was not so ill as to prevent him from attending his trial.
The magistrate confirmed the warrants of arrest and revoked bail, ordering Mzembi to be remanded in custody pending the resumption of his trial.
During the hearing, it was also noted that Mzembi had been the campaign manager for presidential hopeful Saviour Kasukuwere, who announced his campaign from exile in South Africa in 2023 before being barred from standing by a court.
The charges against Mzembi relate to the disposal of televisions valued at approximately US$2 million, which were purchased for the 2010 FIFA World Cup fan parks. The televisions were later donated to Emmanuel Makandiwa’s mega church in Chitungwiza. Mzembi was arrested following the military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
Mzembi’s legal troubles continue as he prepares to face trial from prison on July 1.