Zimbabwe VP's Ex-Wife Freed After Seven Years on Trial

Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwe's vice-president, has been released from remand after seven years awaiting trial for his attempted murder. The charges stemmed from 2019, when her then-husband, Gen. Constantino Chiwenga, accused her of interfering with his medical treatment in South Africa.

A magistrate ordered Mubaiwa's release, citing the mental, physical, and financial prejudice she had endured during the lengthy trial, according to the state-owned daily newspaper, The Herald. The ruling came after the state requested a one-month postponement to engage witnesses.

Mubaiwa's lawyer described the decision as a hard-won victory that arrived too late, stating that his client's rights had been violated by the protracted legal process. He added that if the state decides to pursue a new trial, they will address it if and when it occurs.

Mubaiwa had been accused of attempting to kill Chiwenga while he was hospitalized in Pretoria. Following this, Chiwenga underwent four months of treatment in China. Mubaiwa was initially denied bail and remanded in custody.

Outside the court in Harare, Mubaiwa expressed her gratitude for her release and her lawyer's efforts, stating that justice had been served. Chiwenga played a significant role in the 2017 overthrow of then-President Robert Mugabe.