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Mzembi to stand trial from prison after bail revoked
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Former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi will face trial from behind bars after a Harare magistrate revoked his bail on Monday, ruling that the ex-diplomat had wilfully defaulted court proceedings in 2018.
Magistrate Donald Ndirowei found Mzembi in wilful default after he failed to attend his corruption trial more than five years ago. The court rejected arguments by his legal team that he had been undergoing cancer treatment at the time, ruling instead that his absence constituted a breach of bail conditions.
Mzembi, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism under the late President Robert Mugabe, had been out of the country since 2018 following the military-led transition that ushered President Emmerson Mnangagwa into power. His name became prominent again last week when he returned to Zimbabwe in an attempt to resolve outstanding political issues, only to be arrested shortly after arrival.
Prosecutors have accused Mzembi of misappropriating state resources during his time in government, including US$1.6 million meant for the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia. He also faces charges for allegedly converting television sets worth over US$800,000 - intended for 2010 FIFA World Cup viewing fan parks-to personal or unauthorised use, including donations to churches.
Following Monday's court decision, Mzembi will now remain in custody pending the continuation of his trial, which resumes on July 1. The ruling marks a dramatic turn for the ex-minister, who has long maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated and driven by factional rivalries within the ruling ZANU PF party.
Mzembi had previously defied court orders to return for trial after being granted bail in 2018, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest in 2019. With the bail now officially cancelled, the once-powerful Mugabe ally will stand trial from prison, reigniting interest in a high-profile corruption case that has lingered unresolved for years.
Magistrate Donald Ndirowei found Mzembi in wilful default after he failed to attend his corruption trial more than five years ago. The court rejected arguments by his legal team that he had been undergoing cancer treatment at the time, ruling instead that his absence constituted a breach of bail conditions.
Mzembi, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism under the late President Robert Mugabe, had been out of the country since 2018 following the military-led transition that ushered President Emmerson Mnangagwa into power. His name became prominent again last week when he returned to Zimbabwe in an attempt to resolve outstanding political issues, only to be arrested shortly after arrival.
Prosecutors have accused Mzembi of misappropriating state resources during his time in government, including US$1.6 million meant for the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia. He also faces charges for allegedly converting television sets worth over US$800,000 - intended for 2010 FIFA World Cup viewing fan parks-to personal or unauthorised use, including donations to churches.
Following Monday's court decision, Mzembi will now remain in custody pending the continuation of his trial, which resumes on July 1. The ruling marks a dramatic turn for the ex-minister, who has long maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated and driven by factional rivalries within the ruling ZANU PF party.
Mzembi had previously defied court orders to return for trial after being granted bail in 2018, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest in 2019. With the bail now officially cancelled, the once-powerful Mugabe ally will stand trial from prison, reigniting interest in a high-profile corruption case that has lingered unresolved for years.
Source - online
