Crimes and Courts
HARARE – The High Court has dismissed former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi’s bail application, ruling that the prominent politician remains a flight risk due to his history of absconding justice and the seriousness of charges against him.
Justice Dembure on Thursday upheld a lower court’s decision to deny Mzembi bail, citing the former minister’s seven-year absence from court since 2018 and allegations that he stole trust property valued at nearly US$1 million.
“He needs to put this court into confidence that if he is released on bail, he is not going to abscond again. This court is not convinced that the accused person will stand trial if he is released on bail,” Justice Dembure stated in his ruling.
Mzembi, who served in government until 2018, faces charges linked to the alleged unlawful disposal of public assets. He became a fugitive after failing to appear in court in 2018, claiming he had travelled abroad for medical treatment.
The court rejected arguments from Mzembi’s legal team that prolonged trial delays justified granting bail.
“The record clearly shows that the appellant could not be tried as he was a fugitive from justice for about seven years,” Justice Dembure noted.
In a stern rebuke, the judge emphasized that “bail is not an automatic entitlement but a discretionary privilege,” adding that “each case is dealt with on its own merits.”
The ruling means Mzembi will remain in custody while awaiting trial on charges that have drawn significant public attention given his previous high-profile government position.
Zim GBC News: Global News from an African Perspective©2025