Prosecutors drop charges against doctor in custody dispute

Prosecutors have declined to pursue criminal charges against Muchineripi Kondo, who had been accused of obstructing the course of justice, citing concerns that the case could interfere with ongoing proceedings before the High Court.

Dr Kondo had been jointly charged alongside Kernisha Sheila Hunzwi under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. However, the State opted not to proceed, arguing that prosecuting the matter could prejudice an active court case.

The dispute is linked to a custody battle between Hunzwi and her former husband, Batsirai Matiza, over their 14-month-old child. The couple's divorce was finalised in February 2026, with a consent order granting joint custody on a weekly rotation basis.

Hunzwi has since approached the High Court seeking to suspend the arrangement, claiming it was agreed under duress and is not in the child's best interests. She argues that the infant, who is still breastfeeding, is being placed on artificial feeding while in the father's care and alleges that Matiza is often absent.

Dr Kondo submitted a supporting letter in the matter, raising concerns about the child's welfare and recommending that the mother remain the primary caregiver, with the father limited to supervised visits.

However, Matiza's legal team disputes the claims, arguing that the doctor had no direct involvement with the child or father and that his intervention amounted to interference in the legal process—leading to the initial criminal charges.

While the charges against Dr Kondo have now been dropped, the custody dispute remains before the High Court, which is expected to determine an arrangement that serves the best interests of the child.