Mzembi completes admin paperwork, released from remand prison

The High Court this week granted Mzembi US$1 000 bail pending judgement in his criminal abuse of office case. Justice Benjamin Chikowero ordered that Mzembi deposit the bail amount with the High Court registrar and surrender his passport. As part of the bail conditions, Mzembi is required to reside at his Wilmington Park home in Harare and not travel beyond a 30-kilometre radius of the High Court until the matter is finalised.

He is also expected to report regularly to the police. Mzembi, 62, faces a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer under Section 174(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The case relates to allegations that he unlawfully authorised the donation of public-viewing television screens, procured for 2010 FIFA World Cup fan parks, to several churches without Treasury or Cabinet approval. He has denied wrongdoing, arguing the donations formed part of a government strategy to revive tourism following the 2008 political crisis.