Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, has been released from remand after spending seven years facing trial over allegations that she attempted to murder him. Mubaiwa was charged in 2019 after Chiwenga accused her of trying to obstruct his medical treatment while he was hospitalised in South Africa. Her prolonged detention had raised concerns about the fairness and speed of the trial.
According to Zimbabwe's state-owned newspaper, The Herald, a magistrate ordered Mubaiwa's release, citing the mental, physical and financial prejudice she had suffered during the trial. The ruling came after the prosecution requested a one-month postponement to engage witnesses. This development brings a significant reprieve to Mubaiwa, who had been facing criminal proceedings since 2019.
Mubaiwa's lawyer welcomed the decision but described it as a victory that had come too late, arguing that the lengthy proceedings had violated her client's rights. The lawyer indicated that they would deal with any potential fresh trial if and when it arose. Mubaiwa's release marks a new chapter in a case that has been closely followed in Zimbabwean politics.
The allegations against Mubaiwa date back to 2019, when Chiwenga accused her of attempting to kill him while he was receiving medical treatment in Pretoria, South Africa. Chiwenga subsequently travelled to China, where he underwent treatment for four months. Mubaiwa was remanded in custody and denied bail as the case proceeded.
Chiwenga played a key role in the 2017 military intervention that led to the removal of then-President Robert Mugabe, ending his nearly four decades in power. He later became Zimbabwe's vice-president. The case against Mubaiwa has been closely watched due to Chiwenga's prominent position in Zimbabwean politics.
Following her release, Mubaiwa celebrated outside the court in Harare, declaring that justice had been achieved and expressing pride in her lawyer. Her release has been seen as a significant development in a case that has had far-reaching implications for those involved.
As Mubaiwa begins a new chapter in her life, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities of Zimbabwean politics and the importance of upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their connections to prominent figures. The outcome of the case has raised questions about the handling of similar cases in the future.
Key points
- Marry Mubaiwa spent seven years on remand before being released due to the mental, physical and financial prejudice she suffered during the trial.
- The allegations against Mubaiwa were made by her ex-husband, Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, in 2019.
- Chiwenga played a key role in the 2017 military intervention that led to the removal of then-President Robert Mugabe.
