Zimbabwe vice-president’s wife released on bail

Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, has been released on bail, following her arrest last month on charges of attempting to murder her husband, as well as fraud and money laundering. 

Bail was set at $50,000 and Mrs Mubaiwa was ordered to surrender her diplomatic passport and the deed of a property registered in her father’s name as conditions of her release. 

Prosecutors allege that Mubaiwa tried to kill her husband while he was receiving treatment in South Africa last year. They claim she removed an IV drip from his arm while he was unconscious. She denies all charges. No date has yet been set for her trial. 

In 2017, Gen Chiwenga led the military intervention which ousted long-serving ruler Robert Mugabe. 

Photo image: Voice of America | Columbus Mavhunga