By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Guvheya Dominic Chiwenga, has welcomed the decision by the Gauteng High Court in South Africa to grant a forfeiture order against his former wife, Marry Mubaiwa, marking a significant step in cross-border efforts to curb illicit financial flows.
In a statement released this Tuesday by his legal team, Machingura Legal Practitioners, VP Chiwenga said he fully supports the order, which will see the assets in question forfeited to the State of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The move follows a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on Monday announcing the High Court ruling under the headline: “Marry Mubaiwa Forfeiture Order Granted by Gauteng High Court, South Africa.”
The statement acknowledged the ruling by the Gauteng High Court that on 5 December 2022 ordered that her assets—a property in Sterrewag and two Land Rover Range Rovers—were proceeds of alleged money laundering and illicit financial flows. One vehicle has already been auctioned, with funds set to compensate victims.
VP Chiwenga commended the collaborative efforts between the NPAZ and its South African counterparts in pursuing justice across borders. The Gauteng High Court ruling affirms the principle that proceeds of crime have no sanctuary within the region, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to the global fight against illicit financial flows.
“The funds in question are to be forfeited to the State, consistent with the global stance against the recovery of assets acquired through unlawful means,” said Lewis Uriri, Counsel to the Vice President.
The Vice President’s legal team further clarified that upon becoming aware of the alleged unlawful activities, VP Chiwenga promptly reported the matter to the relevant authorities and has since rendered his full cooperation to the National Prosecuting Authority.
“His actions were motivated solely by the national interest and in furtherance of justice and accountability,” the statement read.
VP Chiwenga, who separated from Mubaiwa amid a protracted legal battle, reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting institutions mandated to safeguard the integrity of the Republic.
Marry Mubaiwa, a former model and businesswoman, has been in and out of court on various charges including attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering. The high-profile matter, which has attracted wide public interest, is yet to be finalized in local courts.
