Former wife of Zimbabwean Vice-President General Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa, has lost her luxury Pretoria property and two high-end vehicles after the High Court of South Africa ruled that they were the proceeds of crime linked to money laundering and illicit financial flows.
In a landmark judgment handed down by Justice JJ Strijdom on December 5, 2022, the Gauteng Division of the High Court ordered the forfeiture of Mubaiwa’s property, Erf 191 Sterrewag, Extension 3, an upmarket residence in Pretoria, along with two Land Rover Range Rovers registered under HJ40JNGP and HX615GGP.
The assets had been placed under a preservation order on 9 February 2022 while South African authorities investigated their connection to financial crimes.
The ruling comes under Section 48 of South Africa’s Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), which empowers the state to seize property deemed to be derived from unlawful activities.
The court further directed that the assets be handed over to an auctioneer, with proceeds from the sales to be channelled towards compensating the victims of the offences.
One of the vehicles has already been auctioned, with the funds awaiting transfer to the identified beneficiary.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the decision, describing it as a milestone in regional legal cooperation and a strong signal in the fight against corruption and cross-border financial crimes.
In a statement released on Monday, 28 July, the NPA applauded the South African National Prosecuting Authority, particularly the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), for its professional handling of the case. The NPA added:
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.
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