Tinotenda Hove –Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi will remain behind bars after the High Court rejected his application for bail.

On Monday, Justice Dembure ruled that Mzembi’s history of absconding and the seriousness of the allegations against him made his release too risky.

The judge noted that Mzembi previously fled the country in 2018 and spent several years outside Zimbabwe, a pattern the court said raises concerns over whether he would stand trial if released.

Mzembi is accused of unlawfully disposing of public property worth almost one million US dollars during his time in government. The court stressed that his past behaviour showed disregard for legal proceedings, making bail inappropriate under the circumstances.

The ruling reflects the judiciary’s stance on holding former officials accountable when facing corruption-related charges, meaning Mzembi will continue to be held in custody as his case moves forward.

Some observers argue that the decision may also carry political undertones, claiming President Emmerson Mnangagwa is punishing Mzembi for backing the G40 faction during Zanu PF’s internal power struggles against the then Team Lacoste group.