Harare – It appears Marry Mubaiwa’s problems are far from reaching.
It never rains but pours for Marry Mubaiwa
The recent ruling by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, forfeiting her assets is a major setback in her life.
On July 28, the South Africa High Court granted a forfeiture order, a ruling that was welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) as a landmark towards the regional justices.
In a statement, the NPAZ acknowledged and commended the ruling, under Case No. 6435/22, in which a forfeiture order was granted against assets belonging to Ms Marry Mubaiwa, a Zimbabwean national and person of interest in ongoing criminal investigations.
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“The court order, issued on 05 December 2022 by the Honourable Justice JJ Strijdom, declared the following property forfeited to the South African State in terms of Section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998: Erf 191 Sterrewag, Extension 3, a luxury immovable property in Pretoria.
“Two Land Rover Range Rovers, bearing registration numbers HJ40JNGP and HX61SGGP, respectively.
“These assets, previously placed under a preservation order on 09 February 2022, were linked to the alleged proceeds of unlawful activities, including money laundering and illicit financial flows.
“The High Court ordered that the said properties be placed under the custody of an auctioneer, with proceeds of the public sale to be directed towards compensating the victim(s) of the offence.
“One of the forfeited vehicles was recently auctioned, with the proceeds set to be transferred to the victim.
“The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe views this case as a landmark demonstration of the strength and efficacy of cross-border legal cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“The outcome reflects the enduring partnership between the NPA of South Africa and its Zimbabwean counterpart in addressing transnational financial crimes and the recovery of proceeds of crime.
“This forfeiture action aligns with our shared obligations under international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, which emphasise mutual legal assistance, asset tracing, and the confiscation of illicit assets.
“On behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, we wish to express our appreciation to the South African National Prosecuting Authority, in particular the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), for their professional and principled handling of this matter.
“The decisive action by the Gauteng High Court sends a clear message that crime, particularly of a transnational nature, will not be tolerated and that illicit assets have no sanctuary within the region.
“We remain committed to supporting such enforcement actions and enhancing our collaboration to uphold justice and accountability across borders.
“The NPAZ reiterates its commitment to the rule of law, justice delivery, and regional solidarity in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
“We continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to ensure that no one is above the law and that criminal gains are pursued wherever they may be hidden.”
However, following the ruling, Vice President Chiwenga, who is the former husband of Marry, welcomed the order, declaring the ruling a win for cross-border justice and accountability.
In a statement issued by his legal counsel, Lewis Uriri of Machingura Legal Practitioners, Chiwenga said he commended the collaborative efforts between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its South African counterpart in securing the forfeiture order.
The vice president said the case reinforced the regional and international consensus that the proceeds of crime should not be allowed to find safe haven anywhere.
On 28 July 2025, the NPA confirmed that the Gauteng High Court, under Case No. 6435/22, granted an order declaring Mubaiwa’s Pretoria property and two luxury vehicles, both Range Rovers, as proceeds of crime.
The ruling followed investigations linking the assets to alleged money laundering and illicit financial flows.
The assets were preserved in February 2022 and have now been placed in the custody of an auctioneer, with proceeds set to compensate victims of the alleged offences.
One of the vehicles has already been sold.
Chiwenga’s legal team said the vice president had played a role in initiating the matter, adding that he promptly reported the suspected unlawful conduct upon becoming aware of it.
“Our client also wishes to place on record that, upon becoming aware of the unlawful activities in question, he promptly reported the matter and has since rendered his full cooperation to the National Prosecuting Authority.
“His actions were motivated solely by the national interest and in furtherance of justice and accountability.
“The Honourable Vice President remains committed to upholding the rule of law and supporting institutions tasked with safeguarding the integrity of the Republic.”
VP Chiwenga and his former wife have been involved in legal disputes since their high-profile separation, with several court proceedings in Zimbabwe involving allegations of attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering.
