Walter Mzembi’s Case Falters

By Desmond Nleya

Former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi, who has been incarcerated since June 2025, appears to be gaining ground in his ongoing corruption case, as proceedings at the Harare Magistrates’ Court reveal significant weaknesses in the State’s case.

Developments emerging from the High Court hearing held on January 28, 2026, suggest that State witnesses may have inadvertently exonerated Mzembi, contradicting key elements of the prosecution’s narrative.

Writing on his timeline, a relative of the former minister indicated that the case against Mzembi is weak, adding that he remains in good health and high spirits despite his continued detention.

Below is the full statement released by Laurence Mzembi:

Statement by Laurence Mzembi

Walter appeared in court today, and the latest report from the High Court proceedings on January 28, 2026, provides a much-needed perspective that aligns with the reality our family has long known: Walter is not the man the initial “mess” painted him to be.

While we remain respectful of the judiciary and have no intention of interfering with the court’s role, it is important to highlight several key issues from today’s proceedings that correct the record and help protect the peace of our family.

1. Clarifying the “Loan” Versus “Donation”

The media and the State have consistently used the word donation to suggest that government assets were permanently given away. However, testimony from the State’s own witnesses today confirmed that:

The television screens in question were loaned, not gifted, and remain government property.

The action was taken to support religious tourism, a Cabinet-approved initiative aimed at boosting visitor numbers.

Walter’s correspondence explicitly instructed the Permanent Secretary to handle the logistics, demonstrating adherence to the established chain of command.

2. The Role of the Accounting Officer

One of the most striking admissions from State witnesses was confirmation that the Permanent Secretary is the designated Accounting Officer responsible for seeking Treasury approval before any government asset is moved.

“The Permanent Secretary must seek authority from Treasury before the asset is moved. Accountability lies with the Permanent Secretary, not the Minister. That is the Bible.”
— Thokozile Chitepo (State Witness)

This testimony reinforces what we have always maintained: Walter acted within his ministerial mandate to implement government policy, while administrative and financial compliance fell under the civil service.

3. The Question of Retroactive Law

The proceedings also highlighted a critical constitutional issue relating to the 2023 Amendment. Section 70 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the right not to be convicted for conduct that was not criminal at the time it occurred. Applying a 2023 law to actions allegedly taken between 2011 and 2014 raises serious legal concerns and reflects the systemic flaws we have repeatedly pointed out.

A Final Word on the Family and the “Leak”

The fact that State witnesses have effectively supported Walter’s defence in open court explains why a so-called “disgruntled lawyer” felt compelled to leak a private medical photograph of him undergoing an eye examination. When a legal case is porous and hanging precariously, some resort to embarrassment and harassment of both the accused and the family that visits him daily.

We remain undeterred. Walter is in high spirits because the truth is finally being spoken where it matters most—under oath. He is healthy, focused, and finally receiving his day in court.

I believe in the judiciary, and I believe that when the law is applied fairly and without retroactive interpretation, the truth will prevail.

Mzembi is facing a corruption charge linked to alleged offences dating back to 2010, involving an amount exceeding US$2 million.