Court move to clip Chamisa's wings

A Zanu-PF activist has approached the High Court seeking to bar opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from forming a new political party following his recent return to frontline politics.

The application was filed by Talent Rusere, who describes himself as a former member and contributor to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the party founded by Chamisa in 2022.

Chamisa announced his political comeback last month, days after some of his former allies in the opposition launched a movement aimed at defending the Constitution and stopping Zanu-PF from implementing a party resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. Chamisa distanced himself from that initiative, declaring that "there is no Constitution to defend".

In his court papers, Rusere cited Chamisa in his personal capacity and argued that the opposition leader should not be allowed to register or launch any new political entity before accounting for CCC assets and finances.

Chamisa launched the CCC in January 2022 but abandoned the organisation in January 2024 after controversial figure Sengezo Tshabangu, widely viewed as a Zanu-PF proxy, seized control of the party and declared himself interim secretary-general.

Rusere is seeking a declaratory order and a mandatory interdict, arguing that Chamisa acted as a "constructive trustee" over CCC's financial resources and is therefore personally liable to account for all funds and assets administered during his tenure.

He further claims there is a well-grounded apprehension of asset flight, particularly relating to an armoured vehicle allegedly acquired through donor funding, necessitating an urgent interdict to prevent Chamisa and his associates from registering a new political entity until a certified audit is completed.

The applicant wants the court to declare that Chamisa stands in a fiduciary relationship with CCC donors and must account for all funds managed since January 2022. He is also seeking an order prohibiting Chamisa and his agents from launching or registering any new political organisation until a transparent handover process and a financial audit—covering both State and donor funds—are certified by the Auditor-General and the current CCC leadership.

Rusere further wants Chamisa compelled to file a verified report of all funds within 21 days and to pay the costs of the suit.

In his submissions, Rusere alleges that Chamisa exercised absolute control over CCC resources through what he termed a policy of "strategic ambiguity", effectively sidelining formal treasury and governance structures.

"By assuming personal control over donor funds, the respondent became a constructive trustee. He is legally bound to account for all assets administered during his tenure," Rusere argued.

He specifically cited an armoured vehicle allegedly purchased through a GoFundMe campaign that raised US$122 300, saying the vehicle was acquired for Chamisa's personal use, as confirmed by his then spokesperson.

"The respondent's failure to account for this asset is prima facie evidence of a breach of trust," Rusere submitted.

Rusere further alleged that Chamisa intends to use proxies to register a new political entity with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in order to shield assets from potential liabilities.

"An interdict is required to prohibit the respondent and his proxies from launching new entities until a certified audit is complete," he said.

The matter is still pending before the High Court. Chamisa has not yet responded to the application.

Chamisa recently confirmed his return to active politics after more than a year in what he described as political hibernation. While he has not formally unveiled a new party, he says his next political project will be driven by what he calls Agenda 2026.