Race for Prosecutor General heats up...as new dark horse emerges

The promotion of Nelson Mutsonziwa to serve as acting Prosecutor General came as a timely move as the appointing authority goes through a list of potential candidates to fill up the post which was left vacant when Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi resigned due to ill health.

Impeccable sources who spoke to this reporter have indicated that 8 names are being considered for the position. High level sources close to the process indicated that President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants a Prosecutor General who will be able to push forward the anti corruption agenda and considering a surprise move which could see scandal free former Prosecutor and current ZBC Board member Ajay Singh being appointed to serve as Prosecutor General.

It has been further  indicated that the Ministry of Justice was in favour of the move. Singh has served on the ZUPCO board and he has built a stellar reputation as a legal practitioner and no nonsense character who upholds the law.

Singh is viewed as front runner because of his experience within the low ranks of the Prosecutor's systems which many have said need changing to effectively deal with corruption and enhance the efficiency of the justice system.

He is also viewed as a political outsider who does not owe any politicians or influential persons any favors.

Other sources postulate that Singh stands a better chance but he has to wean himself from the relationship he has with Temba Mliswa because the Norton lawmaker might abuse that relationship to settle political scores.

The sources further add that Singh's name is already being vetted and going through internal processes as the appointing authorities seek to select the best candidate for the position.

The other candidates are said to be tainted by being part of the political web of influence which has been accused of protecting corrupt individuals through sabotaging the Prosecutor General's office.