Walter Mzembi as he arrived at the Harare Magistrates Court
By Dickson Bandera
Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Walter Mzembi, who was arrested on Friday for defaulting court appearances, will spend the weekend in remand prison following his appearance before the Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Dr. Mzembi, who recently returned to Zimbabwe after a lengthy stay abroad following his fallout with the government, faces criminal charges linked to his tenure as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The charges stem from allegations that Mzembi improperly handled and misappropriated public resources during preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
As part of Zimbabwe’s tourism promotion efforts, it is alleged that Mzembi oversaw the procurement of several large-screen television sets intended for public viewing of the World Cup matches.
These TVs were allegedly distributed to churches and private institutions, raising questions over their accountability and ownership. The state claims the equipment, procured using public funds, was not properly accounted for and was diverted from its intended public purpose.
Mzembi initially appeared before the courts in relation to these allegations but later left the country, prompting the issuance of arrest warrants after he failed to attend subsequent court proceedings.
On Saturday, Mzembi appeared before Harare Magistrate Donald Ndirowei and was remanded in custody until Monday.
The State, represented by prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi, submitted that Mzembi had defaulted court proceedings on three separate occasions, leading to the warrants of arrest.
However, the hearing into the default of court inquiry could not proceed, as the magistrate requested time to review medical documents submitted by the defence, which are said to have a bearing on Mzembi’s failure to attend court.
Mzembi’s legal counsel, Killian Mandike of Chiturumani Law Chambers, informed the court of their intention to submit additional medical documentation to further justify his prior absences.
The matter is set to continue on Monday.
