Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Walter Mzembi was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Thursday, 13 June 2025, following his unexpected return to Zimbabwe after nearly seven years in self-imposed exile. The 61-year-old former Cabinet member, who served under the late President Robert Mugabe, was taken into custody in Harare on long-standing corruption-related charges.
ZACC officials confirmed the arrest, stating that Minister is being held on allegations of criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property, stemming from incidents that occurred during his time as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality. He is currently in remand and is expected to appear before a magistrate at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 June.
A warrant for Mzembi’s arrest had been outstanding since 2018, when he absconded from court proceedings. At the time, he claimed to be undergoing emergency cancer treatment in South Africa. He never returned to face trial, prompting Zimbabwean authorities to classify him as a fugitive from justice.
The charges against him are primarily linked to the alleged misuse of public assets during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when Zimbabwe launched a public viewing program intended to broaden access to the event. Mzembi is accused of misappropriating television screens and other equipment worth an estimated US$2 million, allegedly converting them for personal or undisclosed use.
Mzembi has long maintained that he is a victim of political persecution, especially in the wake of the 2017 military-assisted coup that ousted Mugabe and ushered in the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. While abroad, Mzembi lived between South Africa and Zambia and became a vocal supporter of fellow exiled former minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who in 2023 unsuccessfully attempted to run for president from exile.
HARARE — Exiled Former Mugabe Minister Walter Mzembi Arrested Upon Return to Zimbabwe
His quiet return to Zimbabwe this week sent shockwaves through political circles. Sources within ZANU PF allege that Mzembi’s re-entry into the country was orchestrated behind the scenes, with the assistance of Phillip Chabata, a well-known war veteran who maintains close ties to President Mnangagwa. Insiders claim that Mzembi met privately with Mnangagwa at State House on Wednesday morning — a move interpreted by some analysts as an attempt to broker a safe return and possibly re-enter Zimbabwe’s political landscape under the ruling party.
Despite these behind-the-scenes developments, Minister was arrested within 24 hours of his return, raising questions about the sincerity or effectiveness of any guarantees that may have been made. ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure told reporters, “The arrest was based on an existing warrant. Mr Mzembi must now face the judicial process like any other citizen. No individual is above the law.”
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba declined to confirm or deny the alleged meeting between Mzembi and the president. Mzembi’s legal team has also remained silent on the nature of his return and the circumstances of his arrest.
Mzembi’s detention has stirred unease among other Mugabe-era political figures still living in exile. Several former ministers, security chiefs, and senior bureaucrats — many of whom fled Zimbabwe during or shortly after the 2017 coup — have expressed reluctance to return, fearing arrest or political reprisals. For them, Mzembi’s case may serve as a cautionary tale.
Political analysts are split on the implications of his arrest. Some argue that it reaffirms the Mnangagwa administration’s stance on accountability, while others see it as further evidence of selective justice targeting only specific individuals. “The question now is whether this is about justice or about eliminating rivals under the guise of the rule of law,” said political analyst Dr. Takunda Mufuka.
Others have noted that Minister ’s return — followed by his swift arrest — could signal deeper factional rifts within ZANU PF, particularly as the party begins to position itself for the 2028 general elections. If Mzembi’s return was indeed sanctioned by elements within the ruling elite, his arrest could reflect internal disagreements or last-minute reversals.
Human rights groups have also weighed in, calling for a fair and transparent judicial process. “Regardless of his political affiliations or past, Mr Mzembi deserves a fair trial in accordance with Zimbabwe’s constitutional guarantees,” said Lucia Makumbe of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
As Mzembi prepares for his court appearance, the nation watches closely. His case could set a precedent for how Zimbabwe treats its political exiles, as well as signal whether the state is serious about prosecuting corruption — or simply settling political scores under the cover of legal action.
Whether this arrest marks a genuine step toward accountability or a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s factional power plays remains to be seen. But for now, Walter Mzembi’s return and immediate incarceration have reignited debate about justice, loyalty, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving political landscape.
