The High Court has rejected former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi’s bid for bail, citing his prolonged absence from Zimbabwe as evidence that he cannot be trusted to appear in court.
Justice Regis Dembure ruled that Mzembi’s seven-year stay outside the country, coupled with his history of evading trial, left the court with no confidence that he would stand trial if released.
“The court finds no guarantee that the accused will present himself for trial if released on bail. The circumstances before us do not justify granting bail,” Justice Dembure said.
Mzembi, who returned to Zimbabwe in June 2025, faces charges of theft of trust property stemming from two separate cases. In one, he is accused of unlawfully distributing 16 LED television sets worth US$800 000, intended for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to churches and other institutions without Treasury approval.
The second case involves funds raised for the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in 2013. Prosecutors allege that Mzembi and associates deposited corporate sponsorships from companies like Mbada Diamonds into an unregistered trust account and converted three vehicles purchased with the funds for personal use.
Defence lawyer TK Mandiki argued for bail, citing a previous ruling he said cleared Mzembi of wrongdoing, as well as the former minister’s poor health. Mandiki proposed strict bail conditions, including surrendering property title deeds and paying US$3 000.
State prosecutor L Chitanda opposed the application, pointing to Mzembi’s 2018 flight from Zimbabwe after initially being granted bail, which delayed the trial for seven years.
The High Court agreed with the State, leaving Mzembi in custody as he awaits trial.
Mzembi is among several former ministers and Zanu-PF officials who fled Zimbabwe after President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017 following the military-backed removal of former President Robert Mugabe.
Justice Dembure dismissed claims that new circumstances, including Mzembi’s cancer treatment and the withdrawal of charges against co-accused, justified bail. “His long absence from the jurisdiction of the court clearly caused the delay in the finalisation of his case. Having made his bed, he must lie on it,” the judge said.
Mzembi will remain behind bars until his trial concludes.
