Pressure mounts on runaway minister Saviour Tyson Kasukuwere to return home and face the music

Supporters of Saviour Kasukuwere, a former Cabinet minister in exile since the 2017 coup, say they will continue campaigning for his presidential bid despite allegations of corruption and abuse of power hanging over his head.

Kasukuwere could be barred from running if he is not cleared by police and the courts. A High Court judge recently reserved judgment in a case seeking to block his candidacy on legal grounds.

Jacqueline Sande, Kasukuwere’s election agent and lawyer, said campaigns have been ongoing led by campaign team chairman Godfrey Tsenengamu. “The response has been overwhelming,” she said.

However, Kasukuwere is still not in the country. Sande said security and logistical arrangements for his arrival are being finalised and an announcement will be made “in due course”.

Kasukuwere plans to run as an independent against incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa of ZANU PF and Nelson Chamisa of the CCC.

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa claimed Kasukuwere was avoiding Zimbabwe because he knows of his pending cases, calling him a “non-existent candidate” and “thug”.

But Sande insisted Kasukuwere will arrive as soon as possible and supporters will continue rallying for his candidacy. However, with legal questions hanging over his head and ZANU PF’s fierce opposition, Kasukuwere’s comeback bid already appears in peril.