The acquittal of former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has reignited debate around Zimbabwe’s post-2017 political prosecutions, with some supporters now urging exiled former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere to return home, arguing the courts have demonstrated independence.
By Advent Shoko
Mzembi was acquitted on May 13, 2026, after spending nearly 11 months in pretrial detention over allegations linked to the donation of television viewing screens during his tenure as tourism minister.
The ruling, delivered by High Court judge Benjamin Chikowero, has quickly evolved beyond a legal matter into a wider political conversation touching on exile politics, alleged persecution of former allies of the late Robert Mugabe and the future of key figures once linked to the influential G40 faction.
How Mzembi Won The Case
Justice Chikowero ruled that the state had effectively destroyed its own case by failing to call critical witnesses capable of directly linking Mzembi to the alleged unlawful donation.
At the centre of the case were television sets purchased for public viewing during Zimbabwe’s hosting-related tourism activities.
The prosecution argued that Mzembi had unlawfully donated the screens while serving as minister.
But the court found serious weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
Two state witnesses, Zvinechimwe Churu and Thokozile Chitepo, admitted they had no direct knowledge showing Mzembi personally authorised the donation.
Neither had served as permanent secretary during the relevant period, and neither directly interacted with Mzembi regarding the alleged transaction.
“In short, the two were not relevant witnesses to assist in the state’s case. The state’s failure to call other witnesses was fatal to its case,” Justice Chikowero ruled.
The judge also highlighted documents showing that the Ministry of Tourism itself, not Mzembi personally, appeared to have handled the allocation process.
A memorandum authored by former permanent secretary Margaret Sangarwe reportedly proposed distributing 40 television sets to rural communities and churches including the Emmanuel Makandiwa-led UFIC, Walter Magaya-led Yadah.
Yet Sangarwe, whom the judge described as a potentially material witness, was never called to testify.
“The state chose not to call her at its own peril,” Chikowero said.
The court further heard that an asset verification exercise later found the televisions still recorded as government property, undermining claims that they had been improperly disposed of.
Justice Chikowero also criticised investigating officer Eric Chacha, saying the investigation had not been properly handled.
In the end, the court concluded that the only element prosecutors had successfully established was that Mzembi had been a public official.
“It was not his duty to account for government property, therefore the accused is found not guilty and acquitted,” the judge ruled.
From Mugabe Ally To Exile
Mzembi’s acquittal carries significance beyond the courtroom because of who he represents politically.
The former minister was among senior government officials linked to Mugabe’s administration before the dramatic 2017 military-assisted transition that brought President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power.
Following the collapse of Mugabe’s government, several members associated with the so-called G40 faction fled Zimbabwe fearing arrest, political retaliation or prosecution.
Mzembi left for South Africa in 2018, officially citing medical reasons, and remained outside the country for years.
He returned in June last year only to be arrested on outstanding warrants and repeatedly denied bail.
Prosecutors consistently argued that he was a flight risk because he had previously left the country while facing legal processes.
Bail was only granted on May 4, shortly before Justice Chikowero finalised his judgment.
Kasukuwere’s Message Triggers Political Reactions
Shortly after the acquittal, Kasukuwere congratulated Mzembi publicly.
“Congratulations dear brother @waltermzembi. Vindicated at last, your innocence was never in doubt. Be well Shumba,” he posted.
That message immediately triggered emotional and politically charged responses online.
Some users interpreted Mzembi’s acquittal as evidence that exiled former officials should no longer fear returning home.
“Savior, as you can clearly see, the courts are not captured. It’s time for you to come home nothing to fear,” one user responded.
Another added:
“VaKasukuwere… dzokai kumba zvenyu. Our President is a good man, he will just say let bygones be bygones.”
But not everyone shared that optimism.
Critics argued the case instead highlighted deeper problems within Zimbabwe’s justice system, particularly around lengthy pretrial detention and the use of legal processes as punishment.
“Imagine after spending 11 months in detention… then you are told hauna mhosva,” another user wrote.
Others accused former G40 figures of previously dismissing allegations of political persecution while they were still in power.
“You said ZANU PF never abducted or persecuted innocent people while you were inside,” one critic posted.
The Shadow Of “Lawfare”
The acquittal has also revived debate around what critics call “lawfare”, the alleged use of legal systems to neutralise political opponents through arrests, prolonged detention and reputational damage even when convictions fail.
One social media user described Mzembi’s ordeal as “political persecution” rather than a straightforward corruption prosecution.
“The pre-trial punishment and denial of bail are all part of that broader system,” the user argued.
Those sentiments reflect long-standing divisions over how corruption cases involving former officials are handled in Zimbabwe.
Government supporters often argue that prosecutions are necessary to fight abuse of office and corruption.
Critics, however, say selective prosecution and prolonged legal processes can become political weapons.
What Happens Next?
Mzembi’s acquittal now raises fresh political questions.
Will he re-enter active politics?
Will he reconcile fully with ZANU PF?
Or will he remain politically cautious after years in exile, detention and legal battles?
Political observers note that Mzembi’s tone toward the Mnangagwa administration softened considerably over time compared to the sharp criticism he initially expressed after leaving Zimbabwe.
Some analysts believe that shift may create space for political re-engagement.
Others remain skeptical, arguing Zimbabwean politics rarely offers unconditional reconciliations. Some ready speculate Mzembi was released to campaign for Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 of 2026.
“Very soon, you will see him running around campaigning for CAB3😂😂. ED doesn’t just release a person without a condition and further manipulation,” one user said.
Kasukuwere’s own future also remains politically uncertain despite growing calls for him to return home.
The former Local Government minister, once regarded as one of the most influential figures within the G40 faction, has remained in self-imposed exile since the dramatic fall of Mugabe’s government in November 2017.
In 2022, ZANU PF publicly indicated that Kasukuwere’s return to the ruling party would not be straightforward.
The party accused him of arrogance, disrespect and continued attacks on both the ruling establishment and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
At the time, ZANU PF director for information Tafadzwa Mugwadi said the ruling party was not engaged in negotiations with individuals seeking re-admission, although he acknowledged that proper procedures existed for former members wishing to return.
“As a matter of policy, the party does not negotiate with individuals who seek to return or trace their roots to the party,” Mugwadi said then.
“It’s unfortunate that his case might be a different one because there is no remorse, repentance nor positive revolutionary conduct in him.”
Mugwadi further accused Kasukuwere of continuing to undermine the ruling party and presenting himself as an alternative political force.
Despite the public hostility, Kasukuwere himself confirmed that high-level talks had taken place regarding possible re-engagement with the ruling establishment. This was before he tried to challenge Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections.
However, he remained openly critical of the events surrounding the 2017 military-assisted transition that removed Mugabe from power.
In an interview with NewsDay at the time, Kasukuwere argued that Operation Restore Legacy had allegedly been hijacked by “unscrupulous people whose agenda was to topple President Mugabe and install Mnangagwa.”
He also insisted that the political processes and party structures altered during the 2017 transition needed to be revisited.
Those remarks highlighted the deep fractures that still exist within ZANU PF years after Mugabe’s removal.
The ruling party has continued to experience recurring factional tensions, internal power struggles and periodic clashes during internal elections and restructuring exercises.
Against that backdrop, Mzembi’s acquittal has revived speculation over whether some former G40 figures could eventually seek political rehabilitation or quiet reintegration into Zimbabwe’s political mainstream.
But whether Kasukuwere also known as Passenger 34 or Tyson, himself would be welcomed back into ZANU PF, or choose an entirely different political path, remains one of the unresolved questions lingering from Zimbabwe’s post-Mugabe transition.
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