Chief escapes censure over Mnangagwa term extension plot

The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed a legal application seeking to hold Chief Oliver Saurombe accountable for alleged partisan political statements in support of ZANU-PF.

The case arose after a report claimed that Saurombe told a public gathering that all six traditional leaders in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, had endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for a "lifetime presidency."

Citizen Pritchard Tafadzwa Paradzayi dragged the chief to court, seeking a public apology and retraction, arguing that the statements were unconstitutional and undermined democratic principles. Through Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Paradzayi submitted that he had viewed a video in which the chief allegedly chanted Zanu-PF slogans.

The court found that Paradzayi failed to provide the video as verifiable evidence, instead submitting only a URL link, which his legal team conceded did not authenticate the content.

Saurombe raised preliminary objections during the hearing, including challenging Paradzayi's legal standing. The High Court ruled that, due to lack of evidence and the absence of legal standing, Paradzayi had no right to bring the case. As a result, the matter was removed from the court's schedule.

No order as to costs was made, effectively closing the case without further action.