PRETORIA – South African authorities have confiscated property belonging to Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga divorced wife, Marry Mubaiwa.
The property includes Mubaiwa’s high-end R14m home in Pretoria and two Range Rover SUVs.
On February 9, Pretoria High Court Judge Aubrey Ledwaba issued a ruling authorizing South African authorities to confiscate the property until it reverts to the Zimbabwean government.
Part of the court’s decision reads: “With immediate effect, pursuant to section 38 section 2 of the Prevention of Organized Crime (Poca) Act 1998, a protection order is granted to preserve the identified property.
“That the SA Police Service (SAPS) Police Station in Brooklyn … seize the property … for safekeeping at the Pretoria West Pound pending the outcome of foreclosure proceedings to be commenced under of article 48 of the law.”
Mubaiwa, 40, a former model, is grappling with mounting court cases.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has charged them with fraud, money laundering and currency outsourcing.
In a statement, the country’s anti-corruption agency said it had asked South African authorities to confiscate the property until it is confiscated.
“South African authorities have obtained a precautionary order from Pretoria High Court Judge Aubrey Ledwaba to confiscate an upscale home and two Range Rovers belonging to Marry Mubaiwa pending forfeiture.
“The order was issued following a request for mutual legal assistance made by the ZACC through the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to the South African authorities.
“ZACC is committed to ensuring that any proceeds of corruption hidden anywhere in the world are recovered as part of its relentless fight against corruption,” ZACC said.
