A Zimbabwe court has dismissed the attempted murder case against Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, after seven years of legal proceedings.
Mubaiwa was released from a Harare prison on Tuesday following the court’s decision.
Prosecutors had requested another delay in the proceedings. However, the magistrate rejected the request and dismissed the case.
The ruling brings an end to the current proceedings, although prosecutors could seek a new trial.
Marry Mubaiwa attempted murder case dismissed
The case began in 2019 after Mubaiwa faced allegations involving her former husband.
Prosecutors accused her of attempting to kill Chiwenga while he was receiving hospital treatment.
According to Africanews, Chiwenga’s doctor alleged that Mubaiwa removed an intravenous tube from his chest.
However, the allegation was not established by a criminal conviction.
The case subsequently faced repeated delays.
This week, prosecutors requested another postponement.
Instead, the magistrate dismissed the proceedings.
As a result, Mubaiwa was released from custody.
Zimbabwe VP’s former wife welcomes ruling
Following her release, Mubaiwa spoke outside the court in Harare.
She thanked her lawyers and welcomed the decision.
Mubaiwa also described the outcome as a victory.
The ruling marks a major development in a case that has attracted attention across Zimbabwe.
However, the dismissal does not necessarily prevent further proceedings.
According to Africanews, the state could still seek a new trial.
For now, no new trial date has been announced.
Seven-year legal case raises questions
The Marry Mubaiwa attempted murder case lasted approximately seven years.
During this period, the proceedings experienced repeated delays.
Mubaiwa was held on remand and denied bail while awaiting trial.
The latest postponement request prompted the magistrate to dismiss the case.
The lengthy proceedings highlight the importance of timely access to justice.
Moreover, prolonged detention can raise concerns about the rights of people awaiting trial.
However, the available reporting does not establish whether the court made findings about the underlying allegations.
Therefore, the dismissal should not be described as an acquittal.
Who is Constantino Chiwenga?
Constantino Chiwenga is Zimbabwe’s vice president and a former senior military commander.
He played a major role in the military intervention that removed longtime president Robert Mugabe from power in 2017.
Chiwenga later became vice president under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His former marriage to Mubaiwa attracted public attention.
The attempted murder allegations emerged in 2019.
However, the latest court decision concerns the criminal proceedings against Mubaiwa.
It does not resolve the wider circumstances surrounding their separation.
Could prosecutors reopen the case?
Although the court dismissed the case, further legal action remains possible.
According to Africanews, Zimbabwean prosecutors could seek a new trial.
However, authorities have not announced any confirmed plans for additional proceedings.
Meanwhile, Mubaiwa has been released following the magistrate’s ruling.
The decision ends the current proceedings after years of delays.
Nevertheless, the possibility of further legal action remains.