New Judge to Oversee Mutsvangwa Bail Appeal

The High Court appeal by businessman Neville Mutsvangwa to overturn the denial of bail will now be heard by a new judge, after the originally assigned judge, Justice Esther Muremba, recused herself from the case.

Justice Muremba was expected to deliver her ruling on the bail appeal on Monday, but cited personal reasons for recusing herself. The matter has now been referred back to the Registrar of the High Court to be reassigned to another judge.

Mutsvangwa’s lawyer, Josephine Sande, said they are waiting to hear from the court registry on when the new bail hearing will take place, but it remains unclear whether the new judge will hear fresh submissions or simply deliver a ruling.

Mutsvangwa is facing three charges related to illegal foreign currency dealings, as well as a charge of possessing an unlicensed Starlink router. He was denied bail by a Harare magistrate, who ruled that Mutsvangwa was a flight risk due to his high-profile status and connections that could allow him to sustain a livelihood outside Zimbabwe.

In appealing the bail denial, Sande argued that the magistrate had misdirected himself, as possession of Visa cards is not a crime and does not constitute evidence of illegal foreign currency transactions or money laundering.