Family Denies Social Media Claims That Former Minister Walter Mzembi Has Died in Custody

Walter Mzembi’s family has dismissed social media claims that the former minister died in custody (image source)

HARARE — Family members and close associates of former Tourism and Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi have dismissed social media reports claiming he died in detention, saying the former cabinet minister is alive but enduring difficult conditions in custody.

A relative described the death reports as “malicious and irresponsible,” saying the rumours were circulating without regard for the impact on Mzembi’s children and wider family. “That’s fake news circulating on social media by unscrupulous individuals who lie about people’s lives,” the family member said, adding: “Mzembi is alive, but obviously his situation is extremely difficult and has had a negative impact on his health. He is, however, soldiering on.”

Mzembi was arrested on 13 June 2025 shortly after returning to Zimbabwe from a seven-year self-imposed exile. He remains in remand prison after both the magistrates’ court and the High Court denied bail, citing a risk that he could abscond given his prior absence from the country.

They confirmed he is alive and in high spirits but facing difficult conditions as legal proceedings continue (image source)

The outstanding warrants relate to corruption and abuse of office allegations, including the alleged misappropriation of television sets reportedly worth about US$2 million intended for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the alleged misuse of US$1.6 million earmarked for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Speculation about Mzembi’s health has circulated since his detention, with some sources claiming he may be critically ill and possibly suffering a recurrence of colon cancer. The family has not confirmed those medical claims, saying only that incarceration has adversely affected his health.

At the time of publication, neither the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service nor the Ministry of Justice had issued a comment on the social media reports or on Mzembi’s medical condition. Legal observers and rights groups have urged that any health concerns be addressed transparently and that due process be respected as the criminal proceedings continue.