Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, is challenging the court’s earlier decision to revoke his bail, which has kept him in remand pending trial. The high-profile politician has initiated fresh legal proceedings to contest the ruling, seeking to restore his freedom while awaiting trial.
Mzembi appeared briefly before Harare Magistrate Donald Ndirowei on Monday, June 30, 2025, where the case was adjourned to July 9 for a final ruling on his bail application. His defence counsel, Killian Mandiki, is preparing detailed written submissions to support the challenge. The prosecution is expected to respond with its own arguments before the court makes a decisive determination.
Mzembi’s current predicament stems from a controversial decision by the Harare court last month to revoke his bail privileges. Previously granted bail with strict reporting conditions, the court ruled that the former minister had failed to adhere to these terms. Specifically, his inability to appear in court as required led to the issuance of outstanding arrest warrants.
The court rejected Mzembi’s request to quash those warrants, a move that effectively forced him into remand custody. The decision sparked significant debate about whether the revocation was justified, given the circumstances cited by the defence.
In defending Walter Mzembi, lawyer Killian Mandiki argued that his client’s failure to comply with court appearances was not deliberate noncompliance but rather the result of serious health challenges. Mandiki presented medical evidence showing that Mzembi had been hospitalised for an extended period due to a potentially life-threatening condition requiring treatment overseas.
A doctor’s note confirming the necessity of foreign medical care was submitted as proof. Mandiki maintained that the former minister returned to Zimbabwe only after his health improved sufficiently to travel and face trial proceedings. “Mr Mzembi’s absence was medically justified,” the lawyer contended.
Former Minister Walter Mzembi Challenges Bail Revocation, Seeks Release from Remand
Despite the medical evidence, judicial authorities remained unconvinced that Mzembi’s health problems warranted missing court dates. The magistrate pointed to reports indicating that Walter Mzembi was actively engaged in political activities during his alleged illness, including working on election campaigns. This raised questions about the veracity of his health claims and whether he was truly incapacitated.
The court concluded that Walter Mzembi,s medical condition did not fully excuse his failure to report to court as required, leading to the conclusion that bail revocation was appropriate. This stance has been met with mixed reactions from legal observers and the public alike.
Mzembi’s current legal challenge seeks to overturn the bail revocation and secure his release from remand while awaiting trial. His legal team is compiling comprehensive written arguments to demonstrate that the court erred in its initial ruling and that their client’s health issues were genuine and sufficiently substantiated.
The defence also argues that continued remand detention undermines Mzembi’s constitutional rights, particularly the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and the right to reasonable bail conditions.
On the other side, the prosecution is expected to defend the original court decision, asserting that bail conditions are critical to ensuring accused persons do not evade justice and that Walter Mzembi’s conduct warranted the revocation.
The case has attracted widespread attention due to Mzembi’s prominence in Zimbabwean politics and the controversial nature of his arrest and remand. Supporters argue that the former minister is being unfairly targeted for political reasons, while critics maintain that no one is above the law, regardless of status.
The outcome of this bail challenge will be closely watched, as it could set important legal precedents on how courts balance health claims with the enforcement of bail conditions, particularly for high-profile figures.
The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on July 9, 2025. Until then, Walter Mzembi remains in custody at the remand facility, awaiting the legal determination that will decide whether he regains his freedom during the trial period.
As both sides prepare their cases, Zimbabwe’s legal community and the public remain keenly interested in the proceedings and their implications for justice, fairness, and the rule of law in the country.
Source – iHarare
