Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, has been freed from further remand after a Harare magistrate dismissed the prosecution’s request to postpone her attempted murder case, which had remained unresolved for seven years. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after prosecutors sought another postponement to allow more time to secure witnesses. Magistrate Musaiona Shotgame rejected the request, citing the prejudice Mubaiwa had suffered during the prolonged proceedings. Mubaiwa had faced allegations that she attempted to kill Chiwenga in 2019 by interfering with medical equipment while he was receiving treatment in a South African hospital. She has denied the allegations.
During earlier hearings, Chiwenga’s doctor, John Mangwiro, testified that Mubaiwa allegedly pulled an intravenous tube from her husband’s chest. The defence challenged the account, questioning aspects of the evidence presented in court. The trial had advanced towards Chiwenga’s expected testimony before the presiding magistrate’s elevation to the High Court disrupted proceedings and raised the prospect of restarting the case. Outside court, Mubaiwa thanked her lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, and described the ruling as a victory. Mtetwa said the lengthy proceedings had unfairly affected her client’s rights and caused significant personal hardship.
The State may still consider its legal options. However, the magistrate’s decision means Mubaiwa will no longer remain on remand in connection with this charge under the existing proceedings. Chiwenga played a leading role in the 2017 military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule. His former wife’s case has attracted attention because of its high-profile nature and the prolonged delays before the courts. The ruling brings a major development in a case that has highlighted concerns about lengthy criminal proceedings and the right to a timely trial.
