High Court Judge Justice Regis Dembure has rejected former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi’s application for bail, upholding the earlier decision by the Harare magistrate court to keep him in custody. Justice Dembure cited concerns over Mzembi’s lack of accountability and expressed doubt that he would appear for trial if released.
“There is no assurance that the accused will stand trial if granted bail. The current situation does not support his release,” the judge stated.
Mzembi faces charges related to the unlawful disposal of 16 LED television screens valued at $800,000. These screens were originally purchased for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup but were instead donated by Mzembi to various churches.
Additionally, he is accused of improperly managing funds raised for the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly held in 2013, which Zimbabwe co-hosted with Zambia. Prosecutors allege that Mzembi secured sponsorship money from companies such as Mbada Diamonds and deposited the contributions into an unregistered trust account, raising questions about the handling of the funds.
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