By Advent Shoko
HARARE – After months of courtroom drama, the state has finished presenting it’s evidence (closed its case) in the corruption trial of former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Walter Mzembi, but the battle for his freedom is far from over. Mzembi stands accused of criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property over the controversial donation, or alleged improper disposal, of government-owned television screens originally bought for Zimbabwe’s role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
How Walter Mzembi Corruption case shrank – and why it matters
What began with allegations involving millions in public assets has now narrowed. Prosecutors say four LED TV screens worth about US$200,000 were unlawfully given to church organisations, including United Family International Church, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Zion Christian Church, without Treasury approval. This was reportedly to promote religious tourism.
Mzembi has denied all wrongdoing, insisting the equipment was loaned, not stolen, and remains government property. His lawyers argue he followed policy and that the real responsibility for asset disposal lies with accounting officers, not the minister himself.
State witnesses have added an unexpected twist by testifying that, under Zimbabwean law, a minister is not the official responsible for asset disposal, that duty falls to permanent secretaries and accounting officers. That testimony could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Return from exile and months in custody
Mzembi’s legal journey has been long and fraught. He first faced these charges in 2018 but fled Zimbabwe while on bail, living abroad for about seven years. In a surprising move in June 2025, he returned from exile, reportedly to re-engage with authorities, only to be arrested immediately on outstanding warrants and remanded without bail.
His bail applications have been repeatedly denied. Courts have cited his previous failure to return for trial and the risk that he might abscond again.
Health fears and public confusion
While in remand, rumours have swirled on social media about his condition, even false claims that he had died. Family members and former political allies have publicly refuted those stories, saying he is alive but struggling with his health behind bars.
Friends, former colleagues and some civic groups see a distinguished public servant brought low by a drawn-out process. Critics, however, argue that no one is above the law, and that Mzembi must answer for how state resources were handled.
What happens next
With the state having closed its case in court, the focus now turns to Mzembi’s defence and a bail application that his lawyer says will be filed soon. If bail is granted, it would mean he could await the rest of his trial outside prison, but judges have so far not been persuaded.
Legal analysts say this case touches on bigger issues, how government property is accounted for, the powers of ministers versus accounting officers, and whether corruption prosecutions are pursued fairly or politically. The verdict, whenever it comes, will be watched not just for Mzembi’s fate, but for what it says about accountability in Zimbabwe’s corridors of power.
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