By Staff Writer
THE High Court has ruled against ex-cabinet Minister Saviour Kasukjuwere’s candidature in a development that could mark the commencement of running court battles going forward.
Justice Mangota ruled Kasukuwere’s nomination papers were ‘null and void’ after a legal challenge by Zanu PF member Lovedale Mangwana.
Mangwana argued that Kasukuwere had been out of his constituency for more than 18 months, violating Zimbabwe’s constitution.
Kasukuwere claimed he had only left the country on a ‘temporary basis’ for medical reasons. He insisted he was still a registered voter on the constituency’s roll.
In his legal papers, Kasukuwere had demanded Mangwana prove how long he had been out of the country. But the judge found this was irrelevant as it was up to Kasukuwere to prove he had only been away temporarily.
The ruling is a crushing blow for Kasukuwere, who had hoped to stand as an independent candidate in next month’s election and challenge his former Zanu PF colleague Emmerson Mnangagwa.
