Ndlovu withdraws from Fuzwayo case

Harare lawyer Advocate Method Ndlovu has officially withdrawn his legal services for Matabeleland pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu and its leader Mbuso Fuzwayo in their Constitutional Court challenge against amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term and altering the country's political and electoral systems.

Ndlovu, of Apex Legal Group of Advocates, cited non-payment for his services and concerns over reputational risk as reasons for his immediate withdrawal. In a move that has attracted intense attention, he identified exiled former minister and MP Jonathan Moyo as the "principal architect" behind the litigation, raising questions over the case's origins and intentions.

The development has reignited speculation that the case might be a contrived or collusive legal effort aimed at facilitating Mnangagwa's 2030 plan through judicial maneuvering. However, Fuzwayo insists that the case is genuine, arguing that Ibhetshu LikaZulu is concerned about constitutional amendments that, in their view, undermine citizens' rights to vote in referenda and general elections.

The Constitutional Court last month granted Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu direct access to challenge a Zanu-PF resolution, first passed in Bulawayo in 2024 and reaffirmed in Mutare, which seeks to extend the presidential term beyond the current limit. While the amendments would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and abolish direct popular voting, the government maintains that it is merely extending the electoral cycle. Critics, however, have described the changes as a "constitutional coup."

The case names President Mnangagwa, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza as respondents. Fuzwayo contends that the Zanu-PF resolution violates Section 328(7) of the Constitution by bypassing mandatory procedures, including a national referendum.

Complicating the situation, leaked audio reportedly involving Moyo has fueled further controversy. The recordings allegedly show Moyo discussing strategies with Zanu-PF officials to "trigger" early litigation that could clarify or potentially bypass term-limit provisions. Moyo, however, maintains that the conversation was with lawyers Zibusiso Ncube and Ndlovu and has provided WhatsApp messages to substantiate his claim. Ndlovu, in contrast, offers a different version, creating a potential legal and political quagmire.

Fuzwayo remains firm that the litigation is a sincere attempt to protect Zimbabwe's constitution from being manipulated for political gain. Analysts, however, warn that the withdrawal of Ndlovu and internal disputes over the case's origins could undermine its credibility and delay proceedings in a matter of high national significance.

The case now faces uncertainty as Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu must secure alternative legal representation while public and media scrutiny intensifies over the implications of Mnangagwa's proposed constitutional amendments.