HARARE – Family members and close associates of former Tourism and later Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi have strongly dismissed social media reports claiming that he has died in detention, describing the claims as false, malicious and deeply irresponsible.
Speaking to this publication, a member of Mzembi’s family said the former cabinet minister is alive but enduring harsh conditions in custody that have taken a toll on his health.
“That is fake news circulating on social media by unscrupulous individuals who lie about people’s lives — in this case, even about death — without considering the emotional impact on children, family members and friends,” the family member said.
“Mzembi is alive. His situation is extremely difficult and has negatively affected his health, but he is soldiering on.”
Unverified claims of Mzembi’s alleged death began circulating widely on various social media platforms earlier this week, sparking anxiety among his supporters and renewed debate about the welfare of high-profile detainees in Zimbabwe’s prison system. The family’s clarification comes amid growing public speculation over his physical condition after more than six months in remand prison.
Mzembi, a prominent figure in the former Zanu PF administration under the late President Robert Mugabe, was arrested on June 13, 2025, shortly after returning to Zimbabwe from a seven-year self-imposed exile. His arrest followed the activation of outstanding warrants issued in 2018 and 2019 after he failed to appear in court to face trial.
The warrants stem from multiple corruption and criminal abuse of office charges. Prosecutors allege that Mzembi misappropriated television sets valued at approximately US$2 million, which were intended for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He is also accused of improperly handling about US$1.6 million allocated for the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, which was jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Since his arrest, both the magistrates’ court and the High Court have repeatedly denied Mzembi bail, with the courts citing the risk of flight given his previous prolonged absence from the country. He has consequently remained in remand prison for over six months, a period his supporters argue amounts to punitive pre-trial detention.
Concerns over Mzembi’s health have persisted throughout his incarceration. Some sources have claimed he is critically ill and may be suffering a recurrence of colon cancer, a condition he has previously battled. However, his family has declined to confirm these claims, stating only that his health has deteriorated under the strain of imprisonment.
Human rights activists and legal analysts have increasingly raised alarm over the spread of misinformation on social media, particularly reports involving the health or death of detainees, warning that such claims can inflame tensions and cause unnecessary distress to families.
At the time of going to print, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs had not issued any official comment regarding Mzembi’s health or the circulating death rumours.
