Zimbabwe Court Drops Attempted Murder Charges Against Marry Mubaiwa

A Zimbabwean magistrate has dismissed attempted murder charges against Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, ending a legal process that spanned nearly seven years. Regional Magistrate Musaiona Shortgame ruled in favor of the dismissal after prosecutors requested a further delay to locate witnesses, citing the prejudice Mubaiwa suffered due to the prolonged proceedings. Mubaiwa’s attorney, Beatrice Mtetwa, argued that the case had been stalled for 22 months due to the Vice President’s failure to appear in court, asserting that her client’s constitutional rights were violated.

The charges originated in 2019, when prosecutors alleged that Mubaiwa interfered with the Vice President’s medical treatment while he was hospitalized in South Africa. Specifically, it was claimed she removed an intravenous tube from his chest. Mubaiwa’s defense team consistently challenged these allegations, noting a lack of forensic evidence or hospital records to support the claims. Throughout the legal battle, Mubaiwa has faced significant health challenges, including the amputation of an arm in 2022 and a leg in 2024. Following the ruling, Mubaiwa expressed relief, while her legal team characterized the outcome as a long-overdue conclusion to years of uncertainty.