Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter.
THE long arm of justice has caught up with Marry Mubaiwa as a South African court has ordered the forfeiture of her multimillion-rand assets tied to suspected dirty dealings.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has stripped the former model and ex-wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of her luxurious Pretoria home and two high-end Range Rover vehicles, ruling they were acquired through proceeds of crime.
In a statement issued on July 28, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the landmark ruling, handed down on December 5, 2022, by Justice JJ Strijdom in case number 6435/22.
“The court order declared the following properties forfeited to the South African State in terms of Section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act: Erf 191 Sterrewag Extension 3, a luxury immovable property in Pretoria, and two Land Rover Range Rovers, registration numbers HJ40JNGP and HX61SGGP,” reads part of the statement.
The forfeited assets had previously been under a preservation order since February 9, 2022. One of the vehicles has already been auctioned, with the proceeds to go towards compensating victims of her alleged crimes, which include money laundering and illicit financial flows.
The NPAZ hailed the ruling as a major victory in cross-border justice.
“This case is a landmark demonstration of the strength and efficacy of cross-border legal cooperation within the Southern African Development Community,” said the authority.
They also praised their South African counterparts: “We express our appreciation to the South African National Prosecuting Authority, particularly the Asset Forfeiture Unit, for their professional and principled handling of this matter.”
The authority said the outcome sends a strong regional message.
“The decisive action by the Gauteng High Court sends a clear message that crime, particularly of a transnational nature, will not be tolerated and that illicit assets have no sanctuary within the region.”
The NPAZ vowed to keep up the pressure on high-profile suspects hiding ill-gotten gains.
“We remain committed to supporting such enforcement actions and enhancing our collaboration to uphold justice and accountability across borders.”
Mubaiwa remains a person of interest in ongoing investigations in Zimbabwe, and this latest legal blow could be a prelude to further action.
derick.khumalo