(Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by ZIMDAILY EDITOR)
HARARE – Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is set to testify in a case where his ex-wife Marry Mubaiwa is accused of attempting to kill him in South Africa two years ago.
Mubaiwa, who is being represented by Beatrice Mtetwa was remanded to today for trial.
She faces several charges that include money-laundering, and trying to fraudulently upgrade her marriage without Chiwenga’s knowledge.
Mubaiwa was recently acquitted of assault charges.
The State will be represented by George Manokore and Lancelot Mutsokoti.
Mubaiwa had questioned the jurisdiction of the matter which is alleged to have happened in Pretoria, South Africa.
Mtetwa argues that she must be tried in the province or region where the alleged offence was committed, adding that the case lacks jurisdiction.
“The accused contends that from the State’s allegations, the alleged offence was wholly committed outside the borders of Zimbabwe and there is no allegation or other legal contention that the alleged offence had impact or intended impact on Zimbabwe which would clothe the court with the necessary jurisdiction,” Mtetwa said.
Sometime in June 2019, Chiwenga was airlifted to South Africa for medical attention accompanied by Mubaiwa, his security team comprising provincial intelligence officer John Allen Lifa, Major Blessing Muringi, one Major Nyoni and Sergeant Andrew Mugari, as well as medical health staff comprising Warren Sibanda and Health deputy minister John Mangwiro.
On arrival, Mubaiwa allegedly kept Chiwenga at Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria for more than 24 hours without taking him for medical treatment, leading to his health condition deteriorating.
Security forced its way and took the VP to Netcare Hospital, where he was placed under intensive care by one Doctor Sieling.
He had an intravenous giving set and central-venous catherer inserted in his body to sustain his life for weeks in a private ward.
On July 8, at around 2000 hours, Mubaiwa allegedly tried to harm Chiwenga after ordering his security officers, Mugari and Nyoni to excuse her, indicating that she needed privacy.
It is alleged that she removed Chiwenga’s life support machines, which resulted in Chiwenga bleeding profusely, and his condition further deteriorated.
She left the ward and was allegedly intercepted by hospital security personnel as she exited the door.
Hospital security then alerted nursing staff which took Chiwenga back to his hospital bed and reconnected the lifesaving machines.
Chiwenga was later flown to China where he recovered and came back to the country and filed a report on November 27, 2019, to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
Mubaiwa was arrested on December 14, 2019, but she denied the allegations.
A request for mutual legal assistance document for extra-territorial investigations in the Republic of South Africa was done in which statements from witnesses who are South African nationals will be recorded.
- Newsday
