Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwean Vice‑President Constantino Chiwenga, has been released from remand after spending seven years facing attempted murder charges linked to her ex‑husband’s medical treatment.
Court Orders the Release of Ex‑Wife of Zimbabwe’s Vice President
A magistrate ordered Mubaiwa’s release after prosecutors requested another postponement to secure witnesses. According to reports, the court found that the lengthy delays had caused her significant mental, physical, and financial hardship.
The ruling effectively brought an end to a legal battle that began in 2019 when Chiwenga accused her of trying to obstruct his medical treatment while he was receiving care in South Africa.
Defence Welcomes Decision
Mubaiwa’s lawyer described the decision as a victory, but argued that it came far too late because her rights had already been violated by years of delays.
Outside the court in Harare, the lawyer said the defence would respond if prosecutors attempted to revive the case in the future.
The Allegations
Mubaiwa was accused of attempting to kill Chiwenga while he was undergoing treatment in a Pretoria hospital. Following his stay in South Africa, the vice‑president travelled to China for several months of further medical care.
After her arrest, Mubaiwa was denied bail and remained entangled in court proceedings for years.
Mubaiwa Reacts
According to local reports, Mubaiwa celebrated her release outside the courthouse, expressing gratitude to her legal team and saying justice had finally prevailed.
The case has attracted widespread attention in Zimbabwe because of Chiwenga’s prominent political role.
Political Background
Vice‑President Chiwenga remains one of Zimbabwe’s most influential political figures. He played a central role in the 2017 military intervention that ended the nearly four‑decade rule of former President Robert Mugabe.
Outlook
The collapse of the attempted murder case closes one of Zimbabwe’s most closely watched legal battles. While prosecutors could still seek further action, Mubaiwa’s release marks a major turning point after years of court appearances, delays, and public scrutiny.