Antony Chawagarira
Former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi has been granted bail by the High Court in Harare as he awaits judgment in a high-profile case involving alleged abuse of office.
Mzembi was released on US$1 000 bail on Monday, with the court imposing strict conditions. These include surrendering his passport, remaining at his Harare residence, and restricting his movements to within a 30-kilometre radius of the court. He is also required to comply with all reporting obligations as directed.
The former minister is facing allegations of defrauding the Government of approximately US$2 million during his time in office. The charges are linked to claims that he authorised the donation of television sets that had been procured for public viewing centres during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, allegedly without the necessary approval from Treasury or Cabinet.
Mzembi was arrested in June last year shortly after returning from South Africa, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public and political attention.His legal representative, Emmanuel Samundombe, indicated that despite the bail ruling, his client remained in custody due to administrative delays related to release documentation. He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved promptly, with Mzembi expected to be released on Tuesday.
The case continues to unfold as the court prepares to deliver its judgment.
