Zimbabwe: VP’s estranged wife unfit to care for children, court told

Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has told a court in Harare that his estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa cannot take custody of their three children as she requires constant care by a team of medical professionals. 

Ms Mubaiwa was granted custody of the couple’s children earlier this year by a high court judge, who also ruled that she should have exclusive access to the couple’s home in Borrowdale Brooke. 

Gen Chiwenga is now appealing that decision, saying that Mubaiwa ought to be in hospital. 

Last year, Ms Mubaiwa was accused of money laundering and the attempted murder of her husband. She secured her bail after submitting a statement saying that she “must be under the care of a surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist”. 

Gen Chiwenga’s attorney, Lewis Uriri, argued that “the court cannot as uppermost guardian of the children endanger them in the circumstances”. 

Mr Uriri urged the court to act in the children’s best interest and reopen its inquiry. 

Photo: iHarare