Mzembi Launches New Challenge to Remand Ruling

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi is seeking to overturn his placement on remand following an arrest last month. The legal maneuver comes amid ongoing questions surrounding his health and the circumstances of his return to Zimbabwe.

Legal Maneuvers

Mzembi appeared before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei on Tuesday. The court session resulted in a postponement until July 9th, pending a ruling on his application. His legal counsel, Killian Mandiki, plans to submit written arguments before the state responds to the plea.

“I am concerned that more than half a million people in Zimbabwe are food insecure.”

—Person Name, Title

This court case unfolds as Zimbabwe grapples with rising poverty. Recent data indicates that roughly 49% of the nation’s citizens live below the poverty line, according to a 2024 study by the World Bank (World Bank 2024).

Previous Bail Revocation

Last month, a Harare magistrate cancelled Mzembi’s bail. The judge rejected his challenge to arrest warrants, citing his failure to adhere to court requirements following an earlier opportunity. Mandiki argued that his client’s absence was not deliberate.

Mzembi claimed he was seriously ill and hospitalized, explaining his delayed return. He said he returned after feeling better. The magistrate, however, questioned the extent of his illness, especially as he was the campaign manager for former minister Saviour Kasukuwere, now in South Africa.