SA to forward US$650k to Zim after forfeiture of Mubaiwa properties

South African authorities have requested a Zimbabwean bank account number where the funds will be transferred to once the properties belonging to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s former wife Marry Mubaiwa are disposed of, Nehanda Radio can reveal.

A mansion in Sterrewag, Pretoria and two Range Rover vehicles are at the centre of a forfeiture order that was granted by a court in South Africa.

Mubaiwa is facing charges of attempted murder, fraud, money laundering and externalization of foreign currency.

Indications from the minutes of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) meeting held on 23 January 2023 are that properties worth US$ 650 122 will be sold and proceeds forfeited to the Zimbabwean government as per the court ruling.

“Forfeiture Order for properties acquired by Marry Mubaiwa in South Africa in terms of section 53 of the Prevention of organised crime Act 121 of 1998 (South Africa) Forfeiture Order was granted by Honourable Acting Justice JJ Strijdom on the 5th December 2022 for the forfeiture of properties acquired by Marry Mubaiwa through illicit means namely;

“i) Immovable property Erf 191 Sterrewag, Extension 3, Township Registration Division JR Province of Gauteng, under Title Deed T19471/2019, Pretoria,” read the minutes gleaned by this publication.

“ii) A Land Rover Range Rover with registration number HW40JNGP, Chassis/Vin number SALGA2AE2KA523088, Engine Number 18081800502508PS.

“iii) A Land Rover Range Rover with registration number HX61SGP, Chassis/Vin number SALWA2AK6KA843337, Engine number 1285854306DT.”

Marry Mubaiwa through her South African lawyers made an urgent application to stop the auction of assets pending a rescission application.

The case was heard on 10 January 2023 before being thrown out for lack of service.

“The Commission gave permission to Legal and Asset Recovery Department to engage Advocate Kumbi Toma who was referred by the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to South Africa, His Excellency Ambassador Hamadziripi. Advocate Toma indicated that he had read the issue about the forfeiture and felt he could assist the Government of Zimbabwe on pro bono basis since there was an interest in the forfeited properties,” read part of the minutes.

Already, the South African authorities have requested for the bank account to deposit the money once the properties are disposed of.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were advised of the status of the case and Mr (Chris) Mutangadura then linked up with both Advocate Toma and the Deputy Director of the South African NPA Asset Forfeiture Unit for the repatriation of proceeds of the sale of the forfeited assets.

“The South African authorities have requested a Zimbabwean bank account number where the funds will be transferred to once the properties are disposed.

“On 25 January 2023, Mr Mutangadura submitted the Asset Management Unit account number to the South African NPA and we await their response. Total estimated value of the properties is US$ 650 122. 00,” read the minutes.

Mubaiwa is demanding custody of her three children from the retired army general, who masterminded a defacto military coup in 2017 resulting in the toppling of then president Robert Mugabe.