Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi will remain in custody after High Court Judge Justice Regis Dembure dismissed his bail application. The judge upheld the Harare magistrate court’s earlier ruling, citing concerns over Mzembi’s accountability and the risk of absconding. “There is no guarantee that the accused person will stand trial if released on bail,” Dembure stated.
Mzembi faces charges of unlawfully disposing of 16 LED television screens valued at US$800,000, which were procured for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The State alleges he donated the government-owned equipment to churches without authorization, violating procurement and asset management protocols.
Additional charges relate to the alleged misuse of funds raised for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Prosecutors claim Mzembi solicited sponsorship from companies such as Mbada Diamonds and deposited the money into an unregistered trust account, bypassing official government channels. Investigations are ongoing.
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