Bhasikiti wins Round One

Former Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has won the first round of challenging his expulsion from the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front which led to his expulsion from Parliament.

The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that his seat, Mwenezi East, could not be declared vacant, warranting a by-election, until  the court case in which he is challenging his expulsion from ZANU-PF has been finalised by the High Court.

The Supreme Court said the High Court must finalise the case before 31 July so that this does not interfere with the electoral process.

The High Court refused to hear Bhasikiti’s case as an urgent matter necessitating his appeal to the Supreme Court.

ZANU-PF has so far expelled a dozen senior officials and Bhasikiti’s case could provide a litmus test for the expulsions which have been linked to factional fighting within the ruling party where those alleged to be loyal to former Vice-President Joice Mujuru are being purged.

More than 140 others have been suspended for periods ranging from two to five years, with one, Amos Midzi, allegedly committing suicide because of the humiliation.

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