Mzembi Arrested on Return to Zimbabwe

By Nyashadzashe Ndoro - Chief Reporter

Former Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) shortly after his return to the country from years of self-imposed exile.

ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu confirmed the arrest, stating that Mzembi is scheduled to appear in court today (Saturday).

Mzembi, 61, who also served as Tourism Minister under former President Robert Mugabe, recently returned to Zimbabwe for the first time since 2018.

His exile began amidst corruption charges and allegations of political persecution following Mugabe’s removal from power.

He had previously cited a need for cancer treatment in South Africa and later claimed he was being targeted politically by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration. A warrant for Mzembi’s arrest was issued in 2019 after he failed to appear in court on charges of misappropriating televisions valued at US$2 million, which were reportedly procured for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

At the time, the National Prosecuting Authority indicated it would seek Interpol's assistance for his extradition, though the extent of such efforts remains unclear. Reports indicate Mzembi had been residing in Zambia and was a vocal supporter of Saviour Kasukuwere, another Mugabe-era minister who launched an unsuccessful presidential campaign from exile in South Africa in 2023. His recent return to Zimbabwe was reportedly facilitated by war veteran and Mnangagwa ally Phillip Chabata, and included a discreet meeting with President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Wednesday morning, according to sources familiar with the matter.