Ousted Zanu-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo has accused Vice President Emmerson Mnangangwa and Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, both lawyers, of misleading President Robert Mugabe in opposing their desire to approach the High Court and challenge the outcome of the party’s disputed December congress.
Chairing his party’s politiburo meeting in Harare on Thursday, President Mugabe said the party’s principles and rules are not subject to the higher courts.
Mr. Mugabe’s sentiments were backed by Harare lawyer Terrence Hussein, who has represented the president on many occasions. Hussein told Studio 7 that a political party is a voluntary organization and aggrieved members are free to form their own outfits.
But human rights lawyer, Aleck Muchadehama, differed with Hussein arguing that the High Court has an unlimited jurisdiction and political party members can seek redress in the courts.
Efforts to get a comment from Mr. Mnangangwa and Mr. Chinamasa were futile as their mobile phones went unanswered.
Gumbo told VOA Studio 7 they will press ahead with their court action.
