In a continued effort to purge the main opposition party of its elected representatives in parliament and local authorities, self-imposed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has ordered further recalls, including the ouster of CCC organising secretary Amos Chibaya and 17 other party legislators, five of whom are senators.
The announcement of the recalls was made on Tuesday in parliament by national assembly speaker Jacob Mudenda, leaving a significant impact on the political landscape.
The targeted legislators in this latest round of recalls include Admore Chivero (Chegutu West), Stephen Chatiza (Goromonzi West), Gift Ostallos Siziba (Pelandaba), Tapfumanei Willard Madzimbamuto (Seke), Oliver Mutasa (Zvimba East), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba North), Emma Muzondiwa (Midlands PR), Machirairwa Mugidho (Masvingo PR), Constance Chihota (Mashonaland East PR), Monica Mukwada (Manicaland PR), Sekai Mungani (Midlands PR), Linnet Mazingaidzo (Harare), and Dephine Gutsa (Mashonaland East PR).
Interestingly, these recalls come on the heels of a recent High Court ruling that favoured the CCC. The court had previously interdicted parliament and the local government minister from effecting further recalls pending a determination on an earlier challenge regarding the authority of the self-styled CCC interim secretary general to act on behalf of the main opposition.
Shortly after the court ruling on Tuesday, CCC lawyer Obey Shava disclosed that they had filed summons against Tshabangu on October 27, seeking to prevent him from representing the party in any forum. While the legal action is still pending, CCC issued letters to the national assembly speaker, senate president, and local government minister, notifying them of the pending application. However, the recalls proceeded without pause.
In response, Shava stated, “That has necessitated us to file an urgent chamber application interdicting everyone from effecting the recalls pending the determination of the main matter.”
He further added, “In the interim, the High Court has suspended any further recalls pending the disposition and the hearing of that urgent chamber application.”
The case is currently being presided over by High Court judge Tawanda Chitapi, who holds the responsibility of determining the outcome of this intricate political dispute.
This latest development underscores the delicate balance between legal proceedings and political maneuvering, leaving the fate of the recalled legislators and the opposition party itself hanging in the balance. The outcome of this power struggle will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Zimbabwe for the foreseeable future.
