Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi Acquitted
The High Court has acquitted former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi on charges of abuse of office, ruling that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mzembi expressed gratitude to God and his supporters following the verdict.
Harry Taruva 
Harare - The High Court today, May 13, acquitted former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Walter Mzembi on charges of abuse of office, bringing to an end a protracted legal battle that saw the veteran politician spend nearly a year in remand prison.
Justice Benjamin Chikowero ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, particularly in linking Dr. Mzembi directly to the alleged unlawful donation of television sets procured for the 2010 FIFA World Cup fan parks.
The matter involved allegations of donating the equipment worth around US$2 million to churches without requisite approvals from Treasury or Cabinet.
In a brief statement outside the court after the judgment, a visibly relieved Dr. Mzembi thanked those who supported him through the case.
"Well, I'm born again, practically, that's what it means. My freedom is back, and I give glory to the Lord God Almighty, to my defence team, to my relatives who stood in support, during the period stabilising me mentally, physically, and making sure that I remained nourished and mentally nourished as well, during the period of consolation," he said.
Dr Mzembi, who served as Member of Parliament for Masvingo South and held senior Cabinet positions under the late former President Robert Mugabe, including Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and later Minister of Foreign Affairs, had returned from self-imposed exile in 2025 before his arrest.
Legal observers noted that key State witnesses were not called to testify and those who appeared failed to establish a direct link between the accused and the decisions in question.
The court also reportedly highlighted deficiencies in the investigation process.
The acquittal has been welcomed by Dr. Mzembi's supporters on social media, who viewed the charges as politically motivated persecution stemming from his past roles in Government.
Others have hailed the judgment as a demonstration of judicial independence in handling high-profile cases.
