High Court Denies Bail for Former Minister Walter Mzembi

Former Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi will remain in remand prison after the High Court rejected his application for bail.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Regis Dembure, the court upheld an earlier decision by the Harare Magistrates’ Court, concluding that Mzembi had failed to demonstrate accountability and could not be trusted to return for trial if released.

“There is no assurance that the accused will stand trial if granted bail. The current conditions do not support bail at this stage,” ruled Justice Dembure.

Mzembi is facing serious charges related to the unauthorized disposal of 16 LED television sets, valued at approximately US$800,000, which were acquired for public screenings during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. According to prosecutors, the former minister distributed the government-owned equipment to various churches without approval.

He is also accused of misappropriating funds raised for the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly, which was co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2013. The State alleges that Mzembi solicited sponsorship from private companies, including Mbada Diamonds, but deposited the money into a trust account that was not officially registered.

Prosecutors argue that the alleged actions point to a pattern of financial misconduct during Mzembi’s time in office, and that releasing him could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.

The case remains under investigation, and Mzembi is expected to face trial on multiple counts of abuse of office and criminal misuse of public resources.

SOURCE-TheZimbabwetimes