High Court finds prima facie case against Walter Mzembi

The High Court of Zimbabwe

The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, finding that prosecutors established a prima facie case of abuse of office against him.

Allegations and evidence

Mzembi faces charges that he unlawfully donated government‑owned public viewing screens valued at about US$200,000 to private churches without following required procedures. Prosecutors led by Beaven Muravanhema and Audrey Mupini called four witnesses, including investigating officer Eric Chacha, who testified that donations to government departments had Treasury approval, but the gifts to private churches did not have concurrence from the Ministry of Finance.

Church representatives from Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD Ministries), United Family International Church (UFIC), and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) confirmed they received the equipment and still possess it. They told the court the donations were unconditional, unlike transfers to government institutions that follow prescribed processes.

Judicial finding

In his ruling, Justice Benjamin Chikowero said the evidence on record required a response from the accused. “At the close of the State’s case, the record shows that the accused indeed made the donations. The churches are private entities, and the property did not belong to the accused,” the judge said. He added that the State had proved the donations were made and that Mzembi should therefore be put to his defence.

Justice Chikowero emphasised that the donations were not initiated by the permanent secretary, the Ministry of Tourism, or any other government department, but by Mzembi personally. “There is a need for the accused to explain why he acted as he did,” the judge concluded.

Next steps in the trial

The defence case is scheduled for 3 and 4 March, when Mzembi, represented by lawyers Emmanuel Samundombe and Killian Mandiki, will present his evidence and testimony. The ruling clears the way for the accused to answer the allegations in court.

Context and implications

The case centres on procedural compliance for transfers of state property and the accountability of public officials. If convicted, the matter could have reputational and legal consequences for the former minister and underscore the importance of Treasury concurrence for donations of government assets.

Walter Mzembi prima facie case