Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent
Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has appealed to the court to cancel three outstanding warrants of arrest against him, citing ill health.
Mzembi, who is battling cancer, argued through his lawyer, Killian Mandiki, that he left Zimbabwe in 2018 to seek medical treatment and did not abscond.
Mandiki submitted that setting aside the arrest warrants would not prejudice the State.
“The accused person, when fit, voluntarily presented himself to the authorities without arrest, threat, or enticement,” said Mandiki.
“He is a confirmed cancer patient who requires constant and consistent medical care and critical medication to survive. Investigations into this matter should logically be complete, and the accused has a fit and proper defense. Should he be brought to trial, he remains confident of his acquittal. According to State papers, most, if not all, of the property has already been accounted for.
“Furthermore, while undergoing treatment, the accused did not interfere with witnesses or investigations in any way.
“The court can impose suitable conditions to ensure that, when fit, he will stand trial. He is willing to surrender his passport, which he used to exit the country in 2018 and return now. He has not used any evasive tactics to cross borders, but followed proper procedures, showing he is a law-abiding citizen who respects the laws of Zimbabwe.
“Given his medical condition, conditions such as remaining at his residence, surrendering his passport, and providing additional security such as title deeds would ensure his continued appearance in court. As an innocent man, he is willing to comply.”
The State, led by prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi, requested time to respond to Mzembi’s submissions.
Magistrate Donald Ndirowei postponed the matter to today for a possible ruling on the default inquiry.
Mzembi is facing charges of theft of trust property and breaching bail conditions. One of the warrants was issued after he failed to return his passport.
He was recently arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
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