The National Prosecuting Authority has asked the South African authorities to extradite former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi who skipped bail while on remand on charges of criminal abuse of duty and theft of trust funds involving US$847 000.
Mzembi, who allegedly committed the offences when he was Minister of Tourism was spearheading Zim’s cohosting of the United Nations World Tourism Org (UNWTO) Conference in Aug 2013, is believed to be staying in SA since he skipped bail on the criminal charges some 2 yrs ago.
Part of the request from the NPA to South African authorities seeking Mzembi’s extradition reads:
The accused will not be prosecuted for any offence other than theft, criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], based only upon the facts stated in this request. In all the above three cases, Walter Mzembi defaulted court
This request is not being pursued for political reasons or any ulterior purpose. Zimbabwe guarantees that Walter Mzembi will receive a fair trial in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe. The Republic of Zimbabwe also undertakes to render assistance to the Republic of South Africa in any criminal matter.
Mzembi also stands accused of abusing his office by donating four public viewing screens worth US$200 000 to Zion Christian Church, United Family International Church and Prophetic Healing Deliverance Ministries in violation of the Public Finance Management Act.
