Mzembi Fights to Quash Arrest Warrant After Dramatic Return
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi says he returned home willingly and should not be punished for failing to appear in court over the past seven years.
Appearing before Harare Magistrate Donald Ndirowei on Monday, Mzembi asked the court to cancel the arrest warrant issued against him, claiming he was not in wilful default but was battling a life-threatening illness that kept him away.
Mzembi was arrested over the weekend shortly after landing at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
He had fled Zimbabwe in 2018 while on remand over charges involving the alleged theft of trust property.
Through his lawyer, Killian Mandiki, Mzembi argued that he had always intended to resolve his legal issues but was severely hampered by his medical condition.
“On numerous occasions, he relapsed, needed alterations, and was admitted and reassessed to the extent that his condition remains life-threatening,” Mandiki told the court.
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He revealed that Mzembi had initially sought treatment in South Africa but had to relocate to Zambia for specialised care when passport issues interrupted his medical schedule.
“In early 2024, his condition deteriorated drastically. He arrived in Zambia only to be admitted and placed on oxygen for more than 10 days,” Mandiki said, submitting medical reports and hospital bills as evidence.
Mandiki stressed that Mzembi “came of his own free will” to face the charges and was not fleeing justice.
“Had he been given a chance, he would have presented himself to court. Instead, he was arrested at the airport before he could do so,” the lawyer added.
Magistrate Ndirowei is expected to rule on the application this Tuesday.
Back in 2018, Mzembi was allowed by Magistrate Milton Serima to travel to South Africa for stomach cancer treatment, after producing supporting medical documents.
The arrest warrant was initially cancelled, and he was represented at the time by lawyer Job Sikhala, who unsuccessfully requested that the court sit in camera due to the sensitive nature of his illness.
According to NewZimbabwe, the ex-minister is accused of looting US$1.6 million in donations from Mbada Diamonds and Zimplats during his time as Tourism Minister.
Prosecutors say Mzembi and co-accused Aaron Mushoriwa and Margret Sangarwe used the funds to buy luxury vehicles.
He also faces separate charges of criminal abuse of office for allegedly donating television sets initially meant for public World Cup screenings to churches under the guise of promoting religious tourism.
