Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
HARARE regional magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei has dismissed an application by former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi challenging his placement on remand, paving the way for the continuation of long-standing criminal proceedings against him.
The ruling follows the court’s confirmation of three outstanding warrants of arrest issued against Mzembi, who had not appeared in court since November 2018.
Magistrate Ndirowei also rejected Mzembi’s earlier application to have the warrants cancelled, ruling that his absence was a deliberate act to evade justice.
Mzembi has now been ordered to return to court on Friday for the setting of a trial date.
The former minister is facing charges linked to the alleged abuse of public funds during his time as Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister.
Prosecutors accuse Mzembi of misappropriating television screens valued at US$2 million, which were procured to establish public viewing fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The State alleges the televisions were later converted for personal use.
In addition to the theft allegations, Mzembi is also accused of breaching his bail conditions by failing to surrender his passport by November 19, 2018, and skipping a scheduled court appearance on January 18, 2019.
