Mzembi pushes for discharge as corruption trial runs out of witnesses

A corruption case hit a pause point as a former minister tried to walk free once prosecutors ran out of witnesses.

Bid to end the case early

• Walter Mzembi pushed for discharge after the State wrapped testimony.
• The move came immediately after the final witness stepped down.
• Defense strategy targets weaknesses in the prosecution file.
• Outcome waits on a judicial call.

What the State presented

• Eric Chacha handled the probe for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
• The investigation focused on donated public viewing screens.
• The value of the equipment reached two hundred thousand dollars.
• Donations went to three church organizations.

How the screens were handled

• Chacha said the required procedures were skipped entirely.
• Ministry of Tourism records were requested and reviewed.
• Finance Ministry files were also pulled for approvals.
• Paper trails showed gaps tied to the church transfers.

Treasury money trail

• The Treasury released two million dollars for forty screens.
• Some units were loaned out with written approval.
• Conditions existed for government and private borrowers.
• Church donations lacked any Treasury clearance.

Churches named in the probe

• Zion Christian Church received part of the equipment.
• Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries was listed.
• United Family International Church was also involved.
• All three transfers raised compliance red flags.

Judge and timing

• Justice Benjamin Chikowero is set to decide the issue.
• Ruling is scheduled for February 17.
• The decision will determine whether the trial continues.
• Stakes hinge on legal sufficiency.

Background on the accused

• Mzembi returned after seven years in South Africa.
• Arrest followed shortly after his arrival.
• The date of arrest was June 14, 2025.
• Bail was denied, keeping him in remand prison.