The complainant in the case that led to the arrest of Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, his deputy Rosemary Muronda, and former Harare South MP Shadreck Mashayamombe has withdrawn the charges.
Mavis Java, who had accused Mafume, Muronda, and Mashayamombe in a criminal matter, formally withdrew her complaint in a sworn affidavit.
She asked the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to stop investigations, saying the decision was voluntary and without giving any reasons.
Mafume was released after questioning by ZACC, while Muronda and Mashayamombe were arrested in connection with the case and detained.
In the affidavit dated 21 January 2022, the 45-year-old Java did not provide an explanation for dropping the matter. She wrote:
“I am the complainant in the matter RRB 0084-89 involving Mayor J. Mafume, Deputy Mayor Rosemary Muronda and Shadreck Mashayamombe, involving a certain piece of land being stand H1567 Newlands, Harare.
“I wish to hereby expressly withdraw the criminal complaint from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and any investigations against the accused in this matter.
“I made this statement freely and voluntarily and without any fear, duress or under influence.”
ZACC has reportedly indicated that the matter is far from over, with a senior manager insisting that the state should continue pursuing the case.
Mavis Java is said to be a relative of the self-styled prophet Passion Java, who recently “prophesied” that many people would be arrested in 2026.
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