Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has been granted US$1 000 bail pending judgment in a case in which he is accused of defrauding the government of US$2 mil...
Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has been granted US$1 000 bail pending judgment in a case in which he is accused of defrauding the government of US$2 million.
The High Court in Harare approved the bail application on Monday, setting conditions that include payment of the bail amount, surrendering his passport, and remaining at his registered Harare residence.
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As part of the ruling, Mzembi has also been ordered not to travel beyond a 30-kilometre radius from the court without permission. The conditions are aimed at ensuring he remains available while awaiting judgment in the matter.
Mzembi was arrested in June last year after returning from South Africa. The charges relate to alleged actions during his time as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality.
Prosecutors claim that he authorised the donation of television sets that had been acquired for 2010 FIFA World Cup fan parks. The state argues that the donations were made without approval from Treasury or Cabinet, leading to a financial loss.
The case centres on allegations that the actions resulted in the government being defrauded of approximately US$2 million. Mzembi has denied wrongdoing in the matter.
His lawyer, Emmanuel Samundombe, said the former minister remains in custody due to a delay linked to release paperwork.
He indicated that the issue was administrative and that his client is expected to be released on Tuesday once the process is completed.
The granting of bail pending judgment allows Mzembi to remain out of custody while the court finalises its ruling on the case.
The matter has drawn attention due to Mzembi’s previous role in government and the scale of the alleged financial loss.
Court proceedings are expected to continue as the High Court prepares to deliver judgment based on the evidence presented.
