Marry Mubaiwa, the former spouse of Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, has been released from remand following seven years of legal proceedings over allegations that she attempted to murder him.
The charges were filed in 2019 after Chiwenga accused Mubaiwa of obstructing his medical care while he was receiving treatment in South Africa.
According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, a magistrate ordered her discharge from remand, citing the mental, physical and financial hardship she endured throughout the prolonged court process.
The decision followed a request by prosecutors to adjourn the case for another month to allow them to consult witnesses.
Mubaiwa’s legal representative welcomed the outcome but described it as a delayed victory, arguing that the lengthy proceedings had infringed upon her client’s rights.
Addressing journalists outside a court in Harare on Tuesday, the lawyer said the defence would respond appropriately should prosecutors decide to initiate fresh proceedings.
Mubaiwa was accused of attempting to end Chiwenga’s life while he was hospitalised in Pretoria.
The vice-president subsequently travelled to China, where he underwent four months of medical treatment.
She had previously been held in custody after being denied bail.
The New Zimbabwe news website reported that Mubaiwa celebrated her freedom outside the courthouse, declaring that justice had prevailed and expressing pride in her legal representative.
Chiwenga became a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics in 2017 when he played a significant role in the military intervention that led to the removal of then-President Robert Mugabe.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong