Former Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Walter Mzembi, will spend additional days behind bars after a Harare magistrate deferred ruling on his bail application. Magistrate Donald Ndirowei postponed the matter to 11 July 2025, keeping Mzembi in remand prison amid ongoing legal proceedings tied to long-standing corruption charges.
Mzembi, who was once a prominent figure in the late President Robert Mugabe’s Cabinet, was arrested on 13 June 2025 under dramatic circumstances. His surprise return to Zimbabwe sparked political speculation and public debate, with reports suggesting he may have been planning to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His arrest, however, preempted any such engagement and reignited a legal saga dating back several years.
The former minister had been on the run since 2018 after skipping court appearances while facing charges of criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property during his tenure in government. A warrant for his arrest was issued that same year, but efforts to locate him were unsuccessful for several years as he was believed to be living in self-imposed exile in South Africa.
His unexpected re-entry into Zimbabwe earlier this year caught law enforcement by surprise. According to sources close to the investigation, Mzembi entered the country discreetly, prompting a swift response from authorities once his presence was detected. Police confirmed his arrest and promptly detained him in remand pending a court appearance.
Walter Mzembi’s charges stem from his time as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry before being promoted to the Foreign Affairs portfolio under former President Mugabe. He is accused of misappropriating public funds, including donations and equipment meant for state use, and using the resources for personal benefit.
One of the main charges involves the alleged theft of television screens and other equipment donated for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2013. Prosecutors allege that the items were later found installed at a church affiliated with Mzembi and were never returned to the ministry.
He is also facing accusations of abusing his ministerial powers by diverting government resources for private use, violating public trust and mismanaging state property in the process.
Walter Mzembi to Remain in Remand as Court Delays Bail Ruling
During the latest court appearance on Monday, Mzembi’s legal team argued for his release on bail, insisting he was not a flight risk and intended to clear his name in court. They emphasized that Mzembi voluntarily returned to Zimbabwe, suggesting he had no reason to evade justice further.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, citing the fact that Mzembi had already fled once before. They argued that his previous disregard for court orders demonstrated a likelihood of absconding again if released.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Ndirowei said he required more time to consider the matter and postponed the ruling to Thursday, 11 July 2025. Until then, Mzembi will remain in custody.
Mzembi’s arrest and continued detention have drawn considerable attention, not only due to his former high-profile role in government but also because of the political undertones surrounding his return. Some analysts speculate that his arrival may have been part of a behind-the-scenes effort to negotiate a political comeback or to offer assistance to the current administration.
Others view the move as ill-timed or miscalculated, given the outstanding charges he faced and the government’s firm stance on corruption and accountability — at least rhetorically. There is also speculation that Mzembi may have been attempting to realign himself with political power brokers ahead of the 2028 elections.
Political analyst Tanaka Mandaba commented, “Mzembi’s case represents the complex relationship between politics and the law in Zimbabwe. While his arrest is legally justified due to outstanding charges, the circumstances of his return suggest there may be more happening beneath the surface.”
As the nation waits for the 11 July bail ruling, the spotlight remains on both the legal implications and the potential political ramifications of the case. For now, Walter Mzembi remains behind bars, a stark fall from grace for a man who once walked the corridors of power on the international stage as Zimbabwe’s top diplomat.
Should the magistrate deny bail, Mzembi may be remanded further as the State prepares for trial. If granted, he could be released under strict conditions while the court process unfolds — potentially reigniting debates about justice, selective prosecution, and political rehabilitation.
