Zanu PF says the release of Pastor Evan Mawarire from police custody by a Harare magistrate on Wednesday is a clear indication that Zimbabwe’s judiciary is independent from other arms of government.
President Robert Mugabe’s ruling party says Pastor Mawarire’s case is among several other matters brought recently to Zimbabwe’s courts where magistrates made independent rulings, which were not influenced by the other two arms of government – the executive and legislature.
Pastor Mawarire was facing charges of allegedly attempting to subvert a constitutionally-elected government through master-minding public protests against the current deteriorating economic situation in Zimbabwe.
The other high profile case was the prosecution of Zanu PF lawmaker, Munyaradzi Kereke, who was sentenced to 10 years for raping his wife’s niece. Is this an indication that there is rule of law in Zimbabwe?
For perspective, Studio 7 reached Zanu PF United Kingdom chairperson, Nick Mangwana, and political analyst Dumisani Nkomo.
Mangwana said there is rule of law in Zimbabwe contrary to suggestions that the executive has a say even in court issues.
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Interview With Nick Mangwana and Dumisani Nkomo