Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi's dramatic return to Zimbabwe and subsequent detention have sparked speculation about the potential involvement of prominent church leaders Walter Magaya and Emmanuel Makandiwa in his alleged crimes. Mzembi appeared before a Harare Magistrate on Saturday, facing charges relating to outstanding arrest warrants.
Mzembi's troubles began in 2018 with corruption charges stemming from the alleged misuse of television sets intended for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He allegedly converted US$1 million worth of TVs for personal use, including donating 16 sets, valued at around US$800,000, to Magaya's Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries and Makandiwa's United Family International Church (UFIC). This raises questions about the churches' potential involvement in the alleged misappropriation of public resources.
Legal analysts suggest that Magaya and Makandiwa could be called in for questioning and potentially arrested as investigations widen. In addition to the fan park scandal, Mzembi is also accused of misappropriating US$1.6 million allocated for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Mzembi, a key figure in the G40 faction of ZANU PF, fled the country after the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, citing persecution and threats to his life. His unexpected return has surprised many. The implications of his return and the potential involvement of religious leaders are likely to be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Further Investigations Expected
Authorities are reportedly digging deeper into the circumstances surrounding the donated television sets. They will seek to understand the nature of the donations, whether the churches were aware of the TVs' origin, and if any quid pro quo existed.
Mzembi's Defence
It remains to be seen how Mzembi will defend himself against the charges. His lawyers are expected to argue that the charges are politically motivated and that he is being unfairly targeted. The case promises to be a complex and high-profile one.
- Mzembi's Arrest
- Corruption Allegations
- Possible Church Involvement