Chinamasa castigates SA court 'for pushing former Rhodesians agenda'

The Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa has castigated the decision by a South African high court to investigate and prosecute Zimbabweans suspected of having committed crimes against humanity.

Speaking to reporters in Harare this Tuesday, Chinamasa said the decision is a wish by the South African judge pushing an agenda of former Rhodesians who want to effect regime change in Zimbabwe.

He said the decision will never be entertained by Zimbabwe, adding that it will remain a wish.

Chinamasa also said the same forces who took the government to the so-called Land Tribunal in Namibia with the aim of reversing the land reform programme are the same forces trying to fulfil their agenda through the back door.

The Minister reiterated that South Africa has no extra territorial jurisdiction over neighbouring countries, adding that the best they can do when a crime is committed in the country by Zimbabweans resident in South Africa is to  extradite them so that they can face justice at home.
       
Chinamasa's comments come after a South African court ruled this Tuesday that its legal system can be used to investigate and prosecute Zimbabwean citizens suspected of having committed crimes against humanity.

The ruling is said to apply to Zimbabweans in South Africa and could be extended to those who have travel plans to the country.