Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi appeared in court yesterday for a default inquiry following his arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Magistrate Donald Ndirowei is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter today.
Mzembi faces charges of failing to comply with three warrants of arrest.
His lawyer, Mr Killian Mandiki, submitted written arguments defending his client’s absence, while Acting Deputy Prosecutor-General Ms Tendai Shonhayi, representing the State, will also provide written submissions.
In his defence, Mr Mandiki argued that Mzembi’s failure to appear in court was not intentional.
He explained that the former minister had been granted the release of his passport to seek emergency medical treatment in South Africa.
Mzembi was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer and underwent surgery.
According to the defence, his condition necessitated ongoing medical care, including multiple hospital admissions due to life-threatening relapses.
Mandiki further stated that when Mzembi was unable to continue treatment in South Africa due to travel document requirements, he relocated to Zambia in early 2024 for specialised care.
Upon arrival, Mzembi’s condition had significantly worsened, and he was immediately admitted to a hospital, placed on oxygen, and closely monitored for over 10 days.
Medical records confirming his condition were submitted to the court as evidence.
The former Cabinet minister is also facing charges of theft of trust property.
He allegedly failed to return his passport by November 19, 2018, and missed a court appearance on January 18, 2019, to answer to criminal abuse of office charges.
The charges stem from allegations that Mzembi converted to personal use televisions worth US$2 million originally purchased for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa while serving as the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
