Things fall apart for former miniser Mzembi: Now living with nephew after wife sells assets worth US$2m

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi is reportedly facing financial ruin after his wife, Barbra Hernandez, allegedly sold properties worth over US$2 million and disappeared.

TellZim News reported sources as saying Mzembi’s troubles began after he went into self-exile with other Generation 40 remnants following the late former President Robert Mugabe’s ouster in November 2017.

It is alleged that all his houses were disposed of while he was away.

He is now said to be living at the Harare home of his nephew, Amiel Matindike, whose mother is an aunt to the Mzembis.

The Matindikes, who are also close relatives of the prominent Zvobgo family, reportedly looked after Mzembi’s welfare during his imprisonment.

Recent public appearances have fuelled speculation that he has been left with little. He has been photographed in the same distinctive purple suit at the Chevron Hotel during his recent trial in which he was acquitted, and more recently at the funeral of Sekuru Tinos Jesmiel Rushwaya, father of Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.

Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Mzembi did not confirm the claims and responded sarcastically.

“US$2 million yoga here? Just US$2 million?” he asked.

He added: “Haa makuhwa ayo asi chero vakatora kuti vakatora nenjere here? These are just mere rumours, but even if it’s true, did they take all the brick and mortar and my brains?”

Pressed on how his wife could have accessed properties they allegedly co-owned, he suggested she had sold what was hers.

“Is anyone complaining that she sold her own properties? Haven’t I complained as a co-owner, as you say? There is nothing I have confirmed here. I have my own stock of assets, and I have not complained to anyone,” he said.

Despite that assertion, sources close to the matter insist he was left with nothing to his name.

Mzembi is now attempting to resuscitate his political career by rejoining ZANU PF. His application for readmission was recently tabled before the party’s Provincial Executive Council.

Sources told TellZim News that he is seeking to get close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who reportedly promised him a car and a farm, and is expected to visit Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm soon.