Harare – Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has mounted a legal challenge against his placement on remand as his long-dormant theft of trust property case resumed on Friday, nearly seven years after he left the country.
Appearing before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei, Mzembi, through his legal team, argued that his placement on remand was improper and should be set aside. His trial, which had been effectively paused since 2018 when he left Zimbabwe citing medical reasons, has now resurfaced with renewed judicial scrutiny.
The case involves allegations of theft of trust property relating to assets meant for public use during his tenure as Tourism and Hospitality Minister. The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that Mzembi misappropriated project materials and equipment donated for official state events, including large screens and generators.
Magistrate Ndirowei is set to rule on the application to remove him from remand on July 9, 2025.
The resumption of the case has sparked public interest, with questions about whether the long delay may affect the admissibility of evidence or fairness of proceedings.
Mzembi has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the materials in question were either left in the custody of the Ministry or used for their intended public purposes.
