Vice President Chiwenga’s Health Deteriorated During Ex-Wife’s Visits

In the ongoing trial of Marry Mubaiwa, wife of former army general and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, shocking revelations emerged in the Harare Magistrates Court on Monday. John Mangwiro, who served as Zimbabwe’s deputy health minister and Chiwenga’s doctor at the time, testified that the Vice President was unconscious when hospitalized in South Africa in July 2019.

Mangwiro revealed that Chiwenga’s condition took a distressing turn when Mubaiwa visited him. Allegedly, whenever she entered the room, the patient’s responsiveness deteriorated, and his health worsened significantly. This pattern, according to Mangwiro, occurred not only in South Africa but also in India.

Under cross-examination by Mubaiwa’s lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, Mangwiro explained that he raised suspicions and considered installing cameras in the room. Tests conducted in South Africa, ordered by Chiwenga’s physician Dr. Willi Leo Sieling, reportedly revealed the administration of unprescribed medication, leading to the Vice President’s deteriorating health.

Mtetwa presented Dr. Sieling’s testimony, suggesting that a nurse, Warren Sibanda, had swapped Chiwenga’s urine. However, Mangwiro claimed unawareness of this allegation and insisted that anyone could administer the unprescribed drugs.

Mangwiro admitted Chiwenga’s critical condition during the South Africa trip but denied being in charge or instructing the team to take Chiwenga to a hotel before the hospital. He described Chiwenga’s consciousness level as low, stating that the patient needed assistance, could only respond to pain, and was not fully aware of his surroundings.

The trial, which has unveiled concerning details surrounding Chiwenga’s health and the events leading to his hospitalization, is scheduled to continue on November 27.