Marry Mubaiwa released after court dismisses attempted murder case delays

Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwe’s vice‑president General Constantino Chiwenga, was released from custody on Tuesday after spending seven years on remand while her attempted‑murder trial stalled. The magistrate in Harare ordered her release, saying the prolonged case had caused her mental, physical and financial prejudice. Mubaiwa had been arrested in 2019 after Chiwenga accused her of trying to block his medical treatment in South Africa.

The case dates back to 2019, when Chiwenga, who was recovering from a serious illness in Pretoria, alleged that Mubaiwa attempted to sabotage his care. He later travelled to China for four months of treatment. The vice‑president, a former military commander who helped overthrow President Robert Mugabe in 2017, has faced no charges himself. The state asked the court to postpone the trial for a month to line up witnesses, a request that contributed to the lengthy delay. Legal experts say such postponements are common in high‑profile cases, but they also raise concerns about the right to a speedy trial.

Mubaiwa’s lawyer called the ruling a “victory that comes too late,” arguing that the state’s delays violated his client’s rights. He warned that if prosecutors seek a new trial, his team will respond when the case is revived. Outside the court, Mubaiwa celebrated her freedom, saying justice had finally been served and praising her legal counsel. The state‑owned newspaper The Herald reported that the magistrate noted the prejudice she endured, while the New Zimbabwe news site quoted her as proud of the outcome.

The release leaves open the possibility of a fresh prosecution, but it also underscores the challenges of prosecuting politically sensitive cases in Zimbabwe. Human‑rights groups have long warned that prolonged pre‑trial detention can be used to punish opponents. Observers say Mubaiwa’s case will test the balance between state power and individual rights, and could influence how future high‑profile trials are handled in the country.